This album starts off with “Two Parts Together”, and this is a wild, abrasive intro If I’ve ever heard one. But it quickly, and I mean QUICKLY morphs into a very tense, building Post Hardcore tune that fans of Slint will instantly gravitate towards. But of course, Big Ups are the master of blowing up, seemingly at a moments notice. Which yea, is exactly what they do here. All of a sudden we’re in some barbaric, muscular Post-Hardcore wonderland. I love just how ripping Joe Galarraga’s vocals are here, he always sounds so twisted and tortured. The remainder of this one bounces back and forth between these very pensive verses and this absolutely crushing chorus. And guess what, it’s just as exciting as the rest of the track. It actually makes me feel like I’m at a Big Ups show, not know when they’re going to explode. The instrumentals are patient, smart, and great at surprising you. This is an awesome intro and brings in everything I love about Big Ups. “In The Shade” on the other hand is much more straightforward, practically bringing in elements of Hardcore Punk. It’s just so harsh and gritty, and even though this is the band’s third album in so many ways it sounds like a forgotten 90’s Post Hardcore relic that someone one stumbled upon. But I mean that in the absolute best way because Big Ups know what they’re doing when it comes to Post-Hardcore. The guitars are so jagged, the vocals are cutting, this is a great track. “Trying to Love” on the other hand is another very quiet, building intro that just has you on the edge of your seat. Like, it’s actually nuts just how much Big Ups have control over really getting into these grooves. I love the hypnotic bass here and Joe Galarraga’s whisper quiet vocals which literally have me leaning closer to get inside his head a little. Then, of course, this one picks up into a much groovier, heavier tune. Galarraga and the backing vocals here just sound so manic, so absolutely insane, almost like a Post Punk band. And of course, it explodes into another absolutely chilling moment. Big Ups don’t waste a second of their time ever, and every single moment means something. The first half of this track is ALL buildup, to the point where when it explodes it’s this incredible moment of euphoria. You need to truly sit with these tracks, and I mean REALLY sit with these tracks. But the rewards are indescribable. But as good as this track is, and trust me it’s GOOD, this entire last instrumental minute has Big Ups biting off more than they can chew. It’s still an unreal track, but that last bit is unnecessary. But after all of these slow burners, I have to admit, it’s amazing to hear a track like “PPP”. This one is a straightforward Punk track that will absolutely rip your head off. This is Big Ups at their most cutting and brutal, and absolutely most ruthless. It’s also oddly melodic, just enough for this track to truly stick with you. It’s short, sweet, to the point, and one of the best Punk tunes of any genre you’re going to hear this entire year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHurqZ2i3Nw
But with tracks like “Tenmile”, I just feel crushed beyond belief, defeated even. It’s been like 3 years since we’ve heard from Big Ups, they’ve had so much time to prepare material. And we only get 8 tracks here, so when one of them happens to be a ridiculously thrown together instrumental it pisses me off. It’s not emotional, there’s no tension in sight, this is an absolute waste. Thankfully, with “Fear” Big Ups do get back on track, for the most part. This track has plenty of the same elements as earlier tracks, with Joe’s vocals going for a little more nasally performance on the verses, so you’ve been warned. BUT, it works with the very intense feeling of this track. And when “Fear” explodes for its chorus, things get huge really quick. Not to mention, I love the lyrics here and just thought-provoking they are. When Big Ups are on here, they are ON. And I love just how tortured they constantly come off. But once again, why do I feel like this last minute of an instrumental is just so awkward? On the other hand, “Tell Them” is a whole lot more straightforward. This one completely ditches the formula of really letting tracks sink in and build tension. The result isn’t terrible, it’s just much more straightforward. And while it’s vicious and grimy, I have to say, sadly this one isn’t as rewarding. It’s still a good Punk tune, but it’s not nearly as interesting or intense. However, there’s enough good on this one to make it work. Thankfully, Big Ups DOES end this album off on a solid note with “Imaginary Dog Walker”. This one, on the other hand, gives me the sort of seriously unnerving and twisted feeling that I always love to hear. How sounds so robotic in the absolutely best way, he sounds so deranged. Hell, he hasn’t sounded this legitimately dangerous on this entire album, and I just want to hear more of it. It’s patient, but like the best tracks here, it ends up paying off. “Imaginary Dog Walker” is an absolute masterclass in slow burning. But it doesn’t exactly end this album at all, it just has me wanting to hear more and more. Why isn’t this album longer?! I’m glad it’s solid when it is, but I need more.
Rating: 7.8/10
Give A Listen To: "Two Parts Together", "Trying To Love", "PPP", "Imaginary Dog Walker"
Least Favorite Track: "Tenmile"
Genre: Post Hardcore / Punk Rock
Overall Thoughts: It goes without saying, Big Ups are one of the most exciting bands currently in Post-Hardcore. And on paper, there's nothing genuinely wrong with this album. But it's been like 3 or 4 years, where is all the content? This album is barely a half hour, and that's with a few really awkward interludes. When this album is running at full power, this may just be the most intense Hardcore material you'll hear all year. But I can't help but just want more.
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