Just when you think the world is about to go mad, Bigfatbig return with another EP full of sunny vibes, social observation and straight-talking commentary. The North East band is very much a collective, with bass player Ryan providing mixing, production, and visual support with the cameras, and Joe Cooper mops up everything else, allowing the girls to twist, bellow, and shout their hearts out.
From talking unfair wealth distribution with opener ‘Nothing’, the act of putting on a face in ‘Fine’, Katie Ryall brings the spiky guitars whilst the northern tainted vocals of Robyn Walker bring the angst lyrics and a barrel full of witty takedowns that cleverly hide the moment of sweetness. “I don’t care if you pick me cos I will always pick you”, in a round robin on The Worm Song
This band is familiar with this territory, but they do it all so well. ‘Reason/Season/Lifetime’ has chainsaw chords dripping in a punk spirit rarely seen these days, especially up North. The clatter and noise of ‘Fine’ make it such a Bigfatbig track as they tackle self-doubt in the only way they know how—loud and proud.
Pop punk they are, and while tracks like ‘Nothing’ cover the punk, it’s up to tracks like ‘Love Letters’ and the delightfully titled ‘The Worm Song’ to hold up the pop end of the bargain. Walker is sugary sweet here, a vocal version of Candy Floss with lyrics that can rot your teeth but still put a smile on your face. A massive bubble of personality explodes out of the speakers. Where she is, the pop, Ryall brings the punk with raging chords and sonic-drenched feedback.
Joe Cooper keeps things loosely timed, reigning in the girls’ spirits into cohesive tracks. He’s cymbal heavy, and his splashes are perfectly in time with the band’s attitude. The band’s spirit is well captured on record here, and it’s thanks to the backing of Ryan and Jo that this is the case.
Musical saviours, working class champions and female musicians Bigfatbig make important statements but do it with bubblegum bubbles and wearing Dr Martins. Poisoned candy wrapped in pink glitter with a black ribbon. Played back to back with their first EP, Rippin’ is the soundtrack of the summer that was.
Check out
Find out more via the band’s Facebook
Purchase the EP here
Read our interview with the band here
Read our review of the bands previous EP here
