Big Bang

http://www.wickedmike.com/big-bang-sin-renuncia-a-la-esperanza/

Chugging guitars herald a quick beginning to BIG BANG’s Sin Renuncia A La Esperanza. Yes, these alternate rockers are Spanish, coming from the town of Badalona outside Barcelona. The album’s title translates into Hope Not Given Up which is possibly a testimony to this being their debut after 10 years of being a band.

The opener, ‘Oir Y Callar’ didn’t grab me but catchy, second track, ‘Fiel’, did. ‘En Calma’ shows the bands diversity with intense riffs and serious-styled vocals. Several build-ups and breakdowns, plus funky guitaring in the tail section, and the band hints at prog despite my first impression having been of Incubus. ‘Hay Suenos’ keeps delivering with nice rhythm changes and a catchy, shout-out type chorus. ‘La Espiral’ is like several songs in one, a boast of good musicianship. ‘No Fue Por Error’ is a mixture of Korn and Porcupine Tree (i kid you not) that again reinforces their skills with extra emphasis on bass. ‘Dime’, ‘Sin Rencor’ and Siento El Dolor’ never grabbed me but there was good anger in ‘Esclavo’.

BIG BANG are a band with influences but they are, nevertheless, doing it their way. The one fault is the lack of an expensive production that would have added urgency, installing more gripping emotion in parts begging for it. But self-releasing an album is a daunting task so i’m more likely to praise than criticize. And that album cover is awesome!

It’s rare that we take musical trips beyond our own language. Furthermore, i wouldn’t normally download an album at a band’s request but was momentarily reminded of the same online, marketing battles i undertook for South African bands years ago. I’m glad i did. BIG BANG was a fun start to my Saturday morning.