William Patrick Corgan has nothing to hide behind on Ogilala

Going for a different approach entirely when compared to his first solo outing The Future Embrace back in 2005, Ogilala is Billy Corgan growing up, an even more noticeable point when you consider the album is being put out under his birth name.

A completely acoustic album relying upon the bareness of guitars and pianos, with the occasional string arrangement, Ogilala fully presents the beauty of Corgan’s songwriting for all to hear. While in Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan’s voice was a unique attraction, here, where every imperfection is laid bare, it feels even more special.

The vulnerable compositions throughout fully reflect the emotive gestures Corgan has always offered. “The Spaniards’ features a chorus that has Corgan howling “Take me as I am”, and while it might not be directly referential, it’s something you can’t help but feel he’s tried to convey over all these years.

While it would be quite easy to try and read into every word when it’s presented so candidly, the fact Ogilala is also being used as a soundtrack for Corgan’s silent film Pillbox presents an opportunity to find context beyond piecing it together blindly by yourself. Still, the all-acoustic delivery holds its own poignancy – though there are still moments that bring a varying deliverance.

“Half-Life of an Autodidact”, while still staying on the acoustic course, offers a bit more in its implementation, especially when compared to a cut like “Archer” which is extremely subdued. All in all, it’s a fresh sound for a voice that is in no doubt iconic.

You’ve not heard William Patrick Corgan this way before - and if you just let Ogilala do its thing you’ll find a completely pleasant journey that will envelop you happily.