POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES by BIG SPECIAL is probably one of the year’s most anticipated albums. Rightfully so. Review.
POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES – BIG SPECIAL
It’s pretty rare for an album’s title to describe its content so perfectly. With POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, BIG SPECIAL is imposing itself as one of this year’s big reveal. This debut places their social background at the core of their craft. In about fifty minutes, songs follow each other with a precise flow and an echo that smells like hard work, tears and metal. Yet, there’s nothing metal about their sound. It’s rather blues, rap and post-punk that make it all. Well, metal here is more literal. It can be felt and heard in each instrument: in a sharp guitar riff, trembling drums, some effects with that specific metallic texture… it’s everywhere and gives more intensity to their story.
Never mind which kind of production they’re choosing, BIG SPECIAL wants to reach out to the underdogs and those for whom their inner demons have become their best enemies. Before that, though, they set the frame with BLACK COUNTRY GOTHIC. Everything turns into black and white, and the mix of genres is seamless. Here, the band can start addressing insecurities (I MOCK JOGGERS), rejection (SHITHOUSE, BUTCHER’S BIN), dark ideas and mental health (MY SHAPE (BLOCKING THE LIGHT), BLACK DOG/WHITE HORSE), ambitions (BROADCAST: TIME AWAY, TREES), and politics of course (DUST OFF/START AGAIN). Truly, all of these tracks are shaped by all of these themes, at the same time.
One of the best tracks to me is still DESPERATE BREAKFAST which combines all these elements with a memorable finish. Inclined towards blues, I have a lot of affection for the gripping and heartbreaking THIS AIN’T WATER and iLL. and their atmospheres complementing each other. MONGREL impresses with its lyrical intensity and reminds everyone of how much the band has passion boiling in their texts. And that, even on calmer tracks like FOR THE BIRDS, along with a sublime piano for their poetry, and DiG! which closes the record. So yeah, it’s clear as day that POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES by BIG SPECIAL is a strong one. The musical universe is powerful, and their poetry is refined… they have a lot more to say, I am sure of it. Keep an eye out!
The band is currently on tour in the UK.
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