This duo is already phenomenal. After tasting the studio versions of their track, I was eager to see BIG SPECIAL live at the Jazz Cafe, on the 16th of May. Let’s have a look back.
Their first album, POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, is incredible, and it’s a fact. But what about their live performance? I had a lot of expectations for BIG SPECIAL when I entered the Jazz Cafe, a small venue in Camden. In the centre, against the back wall, a tiny stage. The atmosphere is sophisticated, and natural and raw at the same time. It’s a perfect mix that matches the duo’s poetry.
Before they get on the narrow stage on which all instruments have been carefully placed, two bands are opening the show. First, Zac Lawrence, in a solo act with his guitar and harmonica, observes the venue fill up with a tranquil and melancholic energy. He manages to get the crowd to follow along, and they’re connecting with him and his torn poetry by the end of his set. Then, the German band Friedberg shows up with a round and energetic pop-rock sound. The band adores a good base riff and catchy tunes. It’s only natural to see them earn the public’s approval, one cowbell at a time, in a simple yet bright light setting.
C£L£BRATIONS
The main event is still BIG SPECIAL. Attentive, both of them have been spotted in the audience for the opening acts. Their enthusiasm is infectious and their love for music is evident as they show so much support for the others. And it’s the same when they step on stage, cowboy hats on and bandannas on the nose. The desert is loud as the crowd is completely into that duel-style introduction. Their weapons? Two bananas at point-blank, before they throw them into the audience (I believe that no banana has been upset during the show…)
But BIG SPECIAL is first and foremost the promise of renewing British punk rock. So, as soon as they get behind the mic and drums, I hold my breath. The first beat goes hard and they just confirm it all. In the background, their logo shows £BS. And the criticism of the world and current society is palpable. However, their responses are not holding a utopic discourse, but a realistic one. The set list is the album POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, full and in the same order. Crystal clear. No, they’re not making music for money, but because they need to create and make music. For the messages, of peace and unity, reject and fragility. BLACK COUNTRY GOTHIC is the perfect opening to show it.
PUNK SOULS
Throughout the gig, Joe Hicklin’s vocals impress with their depth. The mic and sometimes a ruffled paper he kept in his jacket’s pocket are the only two instruments occupying his hands. His vocals reach new highs, and the lyrics hit home. He’s a poet, a tranquil strength to never underestimate. A lot fierier from the get-go, and behind the drums, is Callum Moloney. It’s easy to trigger his speech, and he doesn’t hesitate to aim at the audience playfully, before climbing on the back wall of the stage, just ‘cause. It’s fire and chaos, and yet he is a steady and soothing presence thanks to his energy. Together, complementing each other’s characters, they offer a balanced performance. Like their songs. The contrast is strong, unique, punk, brilliant, melancholic…
Because they’re true to their nature and their art, the audience is asking for more, starting some mosh-pits on the first note – and the first pint. Speaking of the audience, BIG SPECIAL seems to have attracted many middle-aged men in love with punk music since they were born. SHITHOUSE, the most-anticipated of the evening and for which they get Zac Lawrence back on stage, and THIS HERE AIN’T WATER are massive hits. But for me, BIG SPECIAL should bring up a more diverse demography. From the working-class mother to the classical student, everybody can find a piece of themselves in BIG SPECIAL’s lyrics and their live energy. DESPERATE BREAKFAST is also proof of that, and it’s as effective live as I was hoping.
ACTUALLY BIG AND SPECIAL
Completely captivated by BLACK DOG / WHITE HORSE and its emotional and lyrical intensity, I still continue to make my way in the dense audience. It’s the instant of that song, and of MY SHAPE (BLOCKING THE LIGHT), BROADCAST: TIME AWAY and MONGREL that seem to be the most capable of shifting the atmosphere of the venue entirely. From start to finish, they play with punk, blues, pure poetry and experimental sounds. BIG SPECIAL confirms here and there that they are now an unmissable act of the British music scene. Should we put a label on them? But them in a box? No, they’re themselves.
The whole crowd seems to leave satisfied with it all. For me, a few white lights shining down on them on stage would have made it all better. That and, I must admit, a slightly bigger venue… because they barely released their first album, sure, but BIG SPECIAL has a lot more to say. And if an intimate place does match their vibe and the harmony they get with their public. But for me, and to see that growth of audience I want to see, the Jazz Cafe is already too small… or maybe BIG SPECIAL is already too big. In any case, they’ll shake many up!
PHOTOS
