New Album Goes Unnoticed

                Big Gigantic is a band from Colorado that recently hit it big.  Classified as electronica/hip hop, Big Gigantic consists of Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken.  These two together mix the saxophone and drums to create an unusual variety of songs and one crazy setup.  Because Lalli is also a producer, he uses a DJ table to give his audience an even more array of sounds.

                With their last few albums such as their self titled album “Big Gigantic” and “Fire it Up” being completely energetic with intense melodic beats, their new album “A Place Behind the Moon” doesn’t seem to give that same feel.

                “A Place Behind the Moon” is somewhat disappointing because the saxophone solos are not as leading and promising as they were in past tracks such as “High Life” and “Thinking Out Loud” which left you wanting to hear more.  Also, the flow of the songs is not as upbeat or impressive.  Being that there are no words, the synthesizer does not live up to how it should sound making the songs unmemorable and weak.

                Although there are a couple of inspiring tracks such as “Limelight” and “Cloud Nine” which offer some funky bass lines and dance rhythms, most of the album is nothing but a cluster of repetitive beats.

                One positive aspect of their newly released album “A Place Behind the Moon” is that it’s available for free download.  This allows their listeners to experience their album without charge yet with dissatisfaction.  Since Big Gigantic is favored in the electronic music scene, they should stick to what they’re good at: producing fascinating background music with emphasis on their personal talents.

Album Review

            Being the lyrical genius that he already is, Thom Yorke seems to surpass another one of his expectations with releasing “In Rainbows”.  For Radiohead, this is just another album to satisfy their fans. 

            “In Rainbows” consists of ten songs. Each song leaves your ears with a sense of synchronization and harmony.  From the catching beat of “15 Step” and the beautiful lyrics of “House of Cards”, Radiohead captures the most striking combination of using musical instruments with meaningful words.

            Unlike Radiohead’s other albums, this one is more personal leading the listeners to believe Yorke is talking about a past relationship or lover. “I am all the days that you choose to ignore” is a line in “All I Need”.  One of the better songs on the album “All I Need” isn’t your typical love song and that’s one of the factors that defy Radiohead; they are not your usual band.  They are exceptional in the ways that they use their lyrics to symbolize a meaning although you may have your own meaning of the song.

            “I don’t want to be your friend, I just want to be your lover” is a lyric that is so straightforward yet so effortless that pretty much anyone can relate to it.  Thom Yorke uses his words fearlessly in order to get his listeners curious as to what he is referring to.  “House of Cards” will keep you wondering how an artist can create such a gentle, unique piece of work.

            A solid forty two minutes of deep thought and peaceful listening. “In Rainbows” leads people to believe that music can truly be appreciated. Listening to this album with your eyes closed is only half the fulfillment of what “In Rainbows” will leave you with.