BIG LIFE - review added 19th April 2011
Album Review: Big Life (self-titled) (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
Big Life is a project rather than a band, though the cast list means it's still worth taking a lot of notice of. The main players are multi-instrumentalist (and rather fine singer/producer) Steve Newman, and ex-Praying Mantis front man Mark Thompson-Smith. Unsurprisingly the sound the guys produce owes more than a thank you to their past recordings.
The Big Life sound is a mix of solid hearty hard rock and AOR beauty, with plenty of twiddly guitars and lush harmonies to guide the music along. Production issues aside (the album is far too tinny and hollow, even on monster headphones), the music is a real treat for the ears. Some of the hooks and progressions are genuinely awesome.
Problem I have with the album is Mark's vocals. He's not a bad singer, not by a long shot, but he, er, isn't Steve Newman. If Steve had sung the whole album it would have been about three times as good...and that's a major problem. Imagining how much better it could have been with the guitarist singing does not make for an enjoyable experience.
As far as the songs are concerned, 'Close To You' and 'Calling' are close to greatness, as is 'Stop In Time'. 'Dying Day' and 'Takin' Me Down' are enjoyable and the best tracks on the album by far. To be fair none of the tracks are bad, but again it's that production that holds them back.
In Summation:
When I heard about this project I was genuinely excited, but it doesn't hit the highs I expected...and the result is genuinely frustrating and hard to mark. The songs are truly superb, but their presentation isn't. Grrr!
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Dying Day
02. Close To You
03. Better Man
04. Calling
05. I'll Still Be Here
06. Feel Alive
07. Deep Water
08. At The End Of My Rainbow
09. Leaves
10. Stop In Time
11. Takin' Me Down
12. Nothing Without You
Band/Performers:
Mark Thompson-Smith: Vocals
Steve Newman: Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Rob y: Drums & Percussion
Other Info:
Label: AOR Heaven
Artist's website(s): Big Life | MySpace
