The Big F - Self titled

The Big F were one of the pack of intelligent alternative rock bands (Jane's Addiction, Mary My Hope, The Toll, Warrior Soul, etc) that were meant to slay the hair metal poseurs - only for grunge to come along and slay everything in it's path.

The Big F grew from the ashes of synth-pop band Berlin, best known for the cheesy 1986 hit Take My Breath Away, which became a huge international hit through it's appearance in Top Gun. The Big F were formed as a reaction against everything Berlin represented, and with the intention of focusing solely on the music - whose malevolent aggressive hard rock sound was the antithesis of that of their former band. The band also adopted pseudonyms to distance themselves from their past.

So what was so good about The Big F? First and foremost, they rocked! Like most great power trios, they had a clear, uncluttered, and powerful sound, and a great sense of dynamics. They were prepared to stretch themselves instrumentally, but intuitively knew when to rein themselves in. Their songs sound like they evolved organically from jam sessions, and they had a great intuitive understanding of where a particular song needed to be taken. The vocals at times sound very reminiscent of Eddie Cheddar (oops, Vedder) - some two years before Pearl Jam were unleashed upon the world.

The first two tracks Killing Time and Kill the Cowboy are both fast paced rockers. The former is driven by a relentless driving tom-tom beat. The latter is subdued in the verses, before erupting in the choruses. Why is mid-paced, and built upon a great groove. Here’s the Good Life is playful and dynamic.

Doctor Vine is the standout track. Starting with malevolent minor chord arpegiated guitar, it slowly builds through the first two verses and choruses, employing the same three chords but with continually evolving guitar parts and rhythms, before rushing headlong to the songs conclusion. Superb. Power Pig is another rocker.

The next three songs are arguably the most diverse tracks on the album. Monkey Boy is Aerosmith meets ZZ Top, and is based around another rhythmically intriguing rolling tom beat. Alpert Tango is Zeppelin-esque, and features an almost jazz like interlude. Biz About Brains is in 7/4 time, and has a great funk feel and interesting falsetto vocals. The live Good God is another rocker, opened up by an unexpected tempo change near the end.

The Big F - 1989 - Self titled

1.Killing Time
2.Kill the Cowboy
3.Why
4.Here’s to the Good Life
5.Doctor Vine
6.Power Pig
7.Monkey Boy
8.Alpert Tango
9.Biz About Brains
10.Good God (live)

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