Since seeing them live a few years back at the Bottom Lounge, local Chicago favorites Big Buildings have been lurking around the edges of my awareness, but thanks to Amy from the awesome blog Shake Your Fist (based only about 30 miles east of CYSTSFTS?), the band is now planted firmly in the center my musical radar.
The band’s latest (and recently released) album Water Everywhere is easily one of my favorites of the year thus far. Blending loose roots-rock reminiscent of A.M. era Wilco and Red Red Meat with a small dose of the frictional post-whatever dissonance of Mission Of Burma, Big Buildings is quickly building a reputation as one of the best and most exciting bands in Chicago. The songs on Water Everywhere have a worn (warm) lo-fi and almost live feel to them. Like a band kickin’ it onstage while trying not to knock the beers off their amps. Not that the music is sloppy, it just has an immediacy and (as jazz musicians might say) an “in the pocket” vibe. I can almost hear the clanking bottles and creaking barstools now.
I’d suggest listening to the tracks below and then going here to get you own copy of Water Everywhere. Do it now! I’ve been listening to the album non stop since getting it in the mail a few days ago and it just keeps getting better and better.
MP3 | Big Buildings – Grease Fire Water Everywhere
MP3 | Big Buildings – Saskatchewan Water Everywhere
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Yay Big Buildings! I’m still playing the album all the time–this many weeks later.
Man – i havent heard anyone say “in the pocket” in years!!