On sophomore effort Before A Million Universes, Big Ups concoct an aural assault that will leave listeners exhausted, thrilled and wishing for more.
Opener "Contain Myself" is a dark, chugging, blistering introduction on which vocalist Joe Galarraga's spoken word-esque delivery draws you in before he unleashes his raspy yell, the contrast making it even more pleasing. "Capitalized" sounds like the fastest, hardest garage band in the world wrote it, while "Posture" is a slow burner that spotlights Galarraga's talk-sung delivery, a feature that, while it might not be for everyone, undeniably adds something special to the band's sound. Elsewhere, Amar Lal's guitar is intrusive and cutting, while Carlos Salguero Jr.'s bass and Brendan Finn's drums pull and tug at each other, both moving tracks forward and adding to their dissonance.
On Before A Million Universes, Big Ups are challenging and awkward in the best way. It's not for the faint of heart; it demands focus, and rewards it hugely. Don't sleep on this album.
(Exploding in Sound)Opener "Contain Myself" is a dark, chugging, blistering introduction on which vocalist Joe Galarraga's spoken word-esque delivery draws you in before he unleashes his raspy yell, the contrast making it even more pleasing. "Capitalized" sounds like the fastest, hardest garage band in the world wrote it, while "Posture" is a slow burner that spotlights Galarraga's talk-sung delivery, a feature that, while it might not be for everyone, undeniably adds something special to the band's sound. Elsewhere, Amar Lal's guitar is intrusive and cutting, while Carlos Salguero Jr.'s bass and Brendan Finn's drums pull and tug at each other, both moving tracks forward and adding to their dissonance.
On Before A Million Universes, Big Ups are challenging and awkward in the best way. It's not for the faint of heart; it demands focus, and rewards it hugely. Don't sleep on this album.