Big Special - o2 City Hall, Newcastle

Loud, political, shithouses. That’s the first three words from my notes on the gig that

punk rock duo Big Special put on at city hall. Not bad if I do say so myself. The duo

was on support duty for alternative rock legends Pixies, but you would almost believe

this was their gig.

They thumped and stomped through their songs as if they were angry at them,

furious with their own words and instruments, riling the crowd up with anthem-like

shouts and 4/4 stomps.

Reminiscent of many bands to come out of the recent post-punk revival, Big Special

put their own twist on it, with sprinklings of bands such as The Specials, IDLES and

Yard Act, they have carved out their own section of the newest iteration of post-punk.

The band however, as shouty and angry as they may be, still have moments for the

melody and hooks to shine through, allowing the songs to work their way into your

brain.

Big Special are, pardon the pun, onto something special and they’re one to watch.

Expect to see them on festival bills soon, and don’t expect them to be quiet about it.

That seems to be impossible.

Pixies were alright too

Words - Connor Thompson

Photo- Darcie Tullin