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The Postindustrial Poetry of BIG SPECIAL’s ‘Hometown Blues’

BIG SPECIAL captures the essence of postindustrial life with their debut album, ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’, a contender for album of the year.
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When a band encapsulates the zeitgeist with the raw pulse of postindustrial angst, they earn the right to be dubbed the ‘next big thing’. BIG SPECIAL’s ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’ does precisely that.

Sometimes, a band just captures the zeitgeist. They’re able to speak in the voice of the masses, combine it with music that steals your attention, and subsequently rocket into the realm of ‘next big medicinalwork,newmusicrelease,punkpoetry,bigspecial,workingclassculture. The album highlights:

  • Raw narrative storytelling through potent lyrics
  • Combination of hardcore drums, electronic trickery, and raw vocal delivery
  • Social commentary reflecting the grind of working-class life in the 21st century
Joe Hicklin’s vocals, a blend of raspy blues and sharp spoken word, amplify the album's emotional impact, proudly showcasing his West Midlands accent. Callum Moloney’s precise drumming coupled with electronic depth provides a soundscape that is dark, intricate, and full of character.
Among the standout tracks:
  • ‘BLACK COUNTRY GOTHIC’ – an anthem resonating with the spirit of the region
  • ‘DESPERATE BREAKFAST’ and ‘SHITHOUSE’ – intense punk-rock affairs
  • ‘DiG!’ – a cinematic journey through daily struggles
  • ‘MY SHAPE (BLOCKing THE LIGHT)’ and ‘FOR THE BIRDS’ – poetic outlets for beauty and expression
Through these songs, BIG SPECIAL delivers a message that is both deeply personal and viciously universal, critiquing the systems that perpetuate hardship and inequality. It’s the kind of music that sticks with you, asking for more than just a passive listen. It seeks to engage, revolt, and ultimately inspire.
Indeed, as Joe Hicklin proclaims in ‘BROADCAST: TIME AWAY’, the potential for stardom is eminent. The genius within ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’ lies not just in its musical prowess, but in its undeniable honesty and insight. Read on to discover an album that’s both a cultural statement and musical marvel.
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