If you’d walked into a Big Business show without knowing what you were in for (as I did Thursday night at El Corazon), you’d be somewhat surprised to learn that this powerhouse trio has recorded their last two albums and the latest, Mind the Drift, with producer Phil Ek—producer for acts like Built to Spill and The Shins.
Not surprising, however, is the band’s mastery of ear-splitting rock considering Jared Warren and Coady Willis’ membership in Melvins and their history with bands such as Karp and Murder City Devils, respectively. Along with the fairly recent addition of third member Toshi Kasai, Big Business were a loud, aggressive, and (in sparse moments), melodic spectacle with Coady Willis playing more powerfully and indefatigabley than an athlete on a meth bender. Next time these fine fellows come to town, leave your fancy pants at home and get ready to be pummeled by a sound that’ll ring in your ears long after you’ve been tossed out on your ass by El Corazon’s bouncers.
DOWNLOAD: Big Business - Just As This Day Was Dawning (MP3) or Follow us for more Big Business MP3s (Twitter)
Justin Townes Earle + Joe Pug - 2/14
Doug Fir Lounge
The Magnetic Fields - 2/21
Aladdin Theatre
The Magnetic Fields - 2/22
Aladdin Theatre
The Magnetic Fields - 2/23
Aladdin Theatre
The Magnetic Fields - 2/24
Aladdin Theatre
El Perro Del Mar - 2/28
Doug Fir Lounge
Basia Bulat - 3/8
Mississippi Studios
Good catch, oh masked marvel.
by Ari Sommer on Mon Feb 8, 2010 at 02.42 pm from the entry: St Vincent + Wildbirds and Peacedrums - Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR; Feb. 6, 2010)
St. Sincent...ha.
by anonymous on Mon Feb 8, 2010 at 02.04 pm from the entry: St Vincent + Wildbirds and Peacedrums - Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR; Feb. 6, 2010)
Aan was amazing.
by jarrod on Mon Feb 8, 2010 at 01.02 pm from the entry: Blue Horns + Morning Teleportation + Aan - Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR Jan. 30, 2010)
I’d like to clarify that for this show they cut off the back half of Neumo’s floor with a curtain and had the upstairs bar closed. It made Neumo’s obviously seem much smaller than it is. Unfortunately, now having seen Neumo’s fully open at another show I can say that this show was very empty. Still White Denim and Brazos rocked.
by Chris on Mon Feb 8, 2010 at 01.57 am from the entry: White Denim + Brazos - Neumos (Seattle, WA; Jan. 24, 2010)
I agree, it’s very good. Way to deflate their balloon.
by colin on Mon Feb 8, 2010 at 01.03 am from the entry: Third Annual Portland Music Awards - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Jan. 28, 2010)
Love the photos. And that “Walkabout” song is the drugs.
by Beth Doreian on Sun Feb 7, 2010 at 01.14 pm from the entry: Atlas Sound + Neon Indian - E&L Auditorium (New York, NY; Feb. 4, 2010)
Wow… really sad there are no Chicago dates for this. Can’t wait to hear how the PHJB benefit compilation sounds. So many amazing musicians and for a really great cause as well.
by MattKlomp on Sat Feb 6, 2010 at 11.26 pm from the entry: My Morning Jacket and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band are about to tackle the SE
love you facial expressions you caught!