Review: Billy The Kid & The Regulators ‘Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin’
By Mike O’Cull
Pittsburgh-based blues/rock/R&B outfit Billy The Kid & The Regulators display big-league taste and talent on their new release Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin’.
The record drops June 15th, 2023 thanks to Sony Music/The Orchard and is destined to turn a lot of fans onto a group often called the best-kept secret in the blues. It’s an outstanding set of blues music that touches on a variety of styles and feels from vintage to contemporary and gets lowdown with them all. Frontman Billy Evanochko is a mesmerizing presence on vocals and guitar at center stage and exudes the power and grit of which legends are made. Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin’ punches hard but also shows the kind of skills that bring nuance and expression to the forefront. Billy clearly knows where he wants to go and wastes nary a note in the process of getting there.
Billy The Kid & The Regulators have been blasting their blues from the group’s Pennsylvania home since 2000. They’ve become known as one of the mightiest acts in their region and have also rocked innumerable clubs, concerts, and festivals around the country. Billy’s personal blend of blues and R&B has won him and his band a large, loyal following, critical praise, and a slew of awards.
The band took Third Place at the International Blues Challenge in 2014, First Place from the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania in 2013, and First Place from the West Virginia Blues Society in 2007. They were also a Top Five Finalist at the IBC in 2013 in the Best Self-Produced CD category. BTK and his current lineup of bassist John Bartholomay, keyboardist Owen Dougan-Bacha, and drummer Ben Davis absolutely know how to turn heads around and this new record vibes like it’s going to break big.
Evanochko kicks things off with his title cut “Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin’.” It’s a fully-energized blast of modern-day blues that’s well-written and muscular. It’s a classic heartbreak song with a crisp, funky pocket and outstanding performances at all positions. Billy is an excellent singer and guitarist with a strong identity and a vocal tone that cuts through the band. The whole group slays this one, especially the rhythm section. Drummer Ben Davis is the man and puts the entire arrangement in gear.
“Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin'”
“Sweet Honey Child” downshifts into a more hip-shaking feel and features Billy ripping on slide guitar. Keyboardist Owen Dougan-Bacha is a large presence here and his piano licks are tight and rhythmic. Billy’s bold vocals keep things focused on the microphone and come off as intuitive and real.
One of the best cuts on Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothin’ is the hardcore slow blues “Bullshit Barbie.” It’s all about trouble and deception in the game of love and Billy hits it with his best back-alley style. His guitar solo is volcanic from the jump, letting his blues fall down like rain. Lyrically, he holds nothing back, so don’t play this one at the office.
The hard funk of “Bang Bang Baby” is also an album highlight. The bass line drives the beat right through the floor and Billy throws down everything he’s got on top of it. It’s a dance-til-you-can’t situation that will put any size crowd in motion with its live-off-the-floor sound. Other can’t-miss cuts include “Shake That Thang” and “Nasty Habits.”
Nice Ain’t Got Me Nothing comes off like a turning-point release that will exponentially raise Billy The Kid & The Regulators’ profile. The album is full-on hot sauce from end to end and shows Billy Evanochko to be an artist a lot more people need to experience. Play it loud and let your speakers burn!
Billy The Kid & The Regulators website
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