WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Tonight i was in Liverpool’s District for Big special, a band a lot of people are talking about right now, with good reason may i add. I had the pleasure of interviewing the band and reviewing their new album, which I must say is absolutely brilliant. Tonight, I completed the hat-trick by seeing them live.
The first band of the night was Gans, a young and fresh-faced band created by two lifelong friends Euan Woodman and Thomas Rhodes, who had previously been part of Birmingham-based bands.
Gans drew comparisons to Slaves and even Big Special, but they took inspiration from bands like Primus and Black Flag to create a unique sound. Their set was full of hard and fast post-punk, and they created a very big sound that was impossible to ignore.
Onstage, they were enigmatic and captivating, and their performance was truly impressive. They commanded attention and held the audience captive, making it impossible to take your eyes off them. Overall, Gans was a band to watch out for, and it’s clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.
The stage set-up was simple yet effective, for Big Special, featuring drums, synths, microphones, and brand new stage lighting that the band were very proud of. As they walked onto the stage, a backing track of what sounded like the soundtrack to a 60’s western movie played. The drummer was wearing a sombrero, and both members carried bananas, which they used in a quick Mexican-style stand-off before throwing them into the crowd. Singer and poet Joe Hicklin took his place behind the mic, while drummer Callum Maloney sat behind the drums. After some playful banter, they launched into the brilliant “Black Country Gothic,” with Joe spitting out his spoken word poetry backed by the unembellished groove of Callum’s drumming and synth work. It was hypnotizing.
The duo played their new album, “POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES,” from start to finish, including spectacular renditions of fan favorites such as “Shithouse,” “Here Ain’t Water,” and “Black Dog/White Horse.” The latter sounded outstanding, and the beauty of Joe’s voice on this song was breathtaking. It was my favorite track of the night.
Throughout their set, the band engaged the crowd with their humor and gratitude for the audience’s support. Even with their serious songs, they still managed to crack jokes and involve the crowd in all they did. At one point, both members entered the crowd for a brilliant rendition of “Trees.”
Tonight show was truly special, and to see them in a small, intimate venue like the District made it all the more memorable. Based on tonight’s performance, it’s clear that they won’t be playing these size venues for much longer. Their special brand of post-punk, social commentary, mish-mash of poetry, trip-hop, pumping basslines, brilliant drumming, all wrapped up in a northern punk ethos, is brilliantly honest and confronting. do yourself a favour and get to see them soon!
SET LIST
1/ Black Country Gothic
2/ I Mock Joggers
3/ DESPERATE BREAKFAST
4/ SHITHOUSE
5/ THIS HERE AIN’T WATER
6/ My Shape (Blocking The Light)
7/ Black Dog / White Horse
8/ Broadcast: TIME AWAY
(First time played live)
9/ Ill.
10/ Mongrel
11/ Butcher’s Bin
12/ Dust Off / Start Again
13/ Trees
14/ For the Birds
15/ Dig!
FOLLOW BIG SPECIAL
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
