Bp & The Big Picture is an alternative rock band from Salem, Massachusetts. Formed in 2019, the “Bp” in their name stands for lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Barryphillip Arruda, along with members Seth Nobles (guitar), Kevin McCourt (bass/vocals) and Dan DeLucia (drums). They were formed from a circle of North Shore musical compatriots and describe their music as “blending a dynamic mixture of blues and heavy rock, yielding a classic sound with a modern twist.” Their newest release BP / EP follows up their previous album You Make Me Sad, which was favorably reviewed on Divide and Conquer. All band members are credited with arranging their songs “to the apex of their potential” while delivering “a tight bed of riffs, solos and atmosphere, all with a hard-hitting bite.” The album was recorded and mixed by Michael Healey at Communal Waves Recording in Chelsea with mastering by Kenny Lewis.
From the very first lush guitar trills on “Gold Ring Disaster” I can tell there’s been a lot of effort put into this album. It’s beautifully arranged but also features a guitar that’s been pitched up or played a full octave higher, creating a kind of electric mandolin sound. When they kick into rock, it’s a truly clean, crunchy and classic sound spanning both the ’60s and the alternative ’90s with tasty blasts of feedback. At the two-minute mark there’s even some Brian May-inspired harmony guitar riffs. The vocals feature that earthy hard rock style and capture the song’s mood perfectly. “Big Plan” is a bit heavier and slower and is a lyrically repetitive Doors-like ode to angst and isolation, which the narrator attempts to shatter by breaking into his old house. I do relate to this track, having written a similar song about breaking into my old apartment back in the ’80s. The second half of this mini-epic features a killer lead break with the full band accelerating in sympathy. “Brian Wilson’s Beach Bummer Blues” wins for best song title, but really has little to do with The Beach Boys’ resident genius except for drugs, catching some waves and the song’s locations (the West Coast, including San Diego and Tijuana). They even misspell “Santa Barbra.” This song’s kinda nutty with two distinct sections and some wild playing, but it fits the set nicely. “Corners” follows with some snotty Stones swagger. It’s got a basic blues structure, but is filled with chords that have been happily subverted with dissonant blue notes. Bp’s vocals again channel the no holds barred charisma of Jim Morrison. “Poor Farmer’s Son” finishes the set with an extended ballad about…a poor farmer’s son, I guess! The meaning of Bp’s lyrics are never very clear but you can certainly feel his sincerity. I like how this one pulls back a bit, starting out with lots of air and space, then gradually raising the heaviosity quotient. Seth Noble’s lead guitar breaks are heartbreakingly perfect and he pretty much owns the final moments. So there you have it: another winner from Mr. Bp and his band, who I can only imagine will continue to crank out these dark but rockin’ hits well into the future.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|