Big'N...

I’m digging back into the fertile grounds of the Chicago 90’s noise-rock scene for today’s entry and am going to take a brief look at one of the greatest bands to come out of that whole noisy mess, Big’N. It’s long past due.

Big’N might not be one of the first bands mentioned when people think mid nineties noise-rock, but they sure as hell should be. Their music could have been a blueprint for how it should sound. Although, that blueprint would surely be covered in beer stains and probably be partially torn to pieces. That’s just a mere reflection as to how Big’N sounded. They were completely raw, full of energy, and absolutely out of control.

The band was formed in the early 90’s and released a number of 7 inches before being offered to release a full-length album through Germany’s Gasoline Boost Records. With that they were able to issue their debut album Cutthroat, which in my opinion is the better of two but it’s a very tough call. Cutthroat is just a little bit noisier, which gives it the slight nod. However, their second album Discipline Through Sound stacks up pretty nicely to it. There is no noticeable drop off between the two.

Sometimes I think there are bands that are named almost perfectly in contrast to their sound. Big’N is one of those bands. Their sound was a lumbering juggernaut of filthy bass and dissonance combined with that “good ‘ol boy” attitude with a partial drinking problem. What better name could they have had other than Big’N to solidify that image?

Regardless, for anyone that missed out on these guys while they were around, do yourself a favor and check out the songs below. The band was amazing and should be a staple within noise-rock.

Cutthroat:
Big’N – Dirtfarmer [MP3]
Big’N – Jackalope [MP3]

Discipline Through Sound:
Big’N – Moonshine [MP3]
Big’N – Dry [MP3]

Musket 7’’:
Big’N – Musket [MP3]
Big’N – Tight One [MP3]

Big’N recorded one last split EP with the Oxes before they disbanded in 1997, however they did reunite for one show this past December. Drummer Brian Wnukowski went on to drum for a variety of bands including Neutrino, Runner, Check Engine, and most recently Haymarket Riot and Cougars. The other 3/4ths of Big’N can be found in a project called Cowboys and Zombies. Check out their MySpace for more. I am not aware of any place that still has Cutthroat available; however you can still find Discipline Through Sound at Amazon either new or used.

Edit: Thanks to one of the readers in the comment section for pointing out that Cutthroat is still available through German hardcore label X-mist.