Big Hogg - Gargoyles

As I’ve always said, Bad Elephant Music has never, ever disappointed me with some amazing music they would release. One of the bands they signed this year, is a sextet from Glasgow called Big Hogg. They describe themselves as Electric Music for the Mind and Body. They have this influential and inspirational sound between the sounds of; psychedelic, jazz, blues, and rock of the golden era of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s. This is their second album entitled, Gargoyles.

And believe me, they are very, very good. You have a piece with a psych-pop ballad twist with the guitars sounding the brass/horn sections with some delay/reverb effects on Drunk on a Boat. I can imagine this visual scenario of a young woman singing on this boat for the captain and his crew for a chance to sleep and have a nice long rest after a hard day’s work and it captures the vibe.

Vegan Mother’s Day has this late psychedelic vibe of Styx’s The Grand Illusion-era while Waiting for Luigi combines a mournful horn section with a Canterbury touch to it. Then you have Solitary Way which starts off as a Psychedelic Folk intro before delving into the essence of Love’s Forever Changes and mid-to-late ‘60s David Bowie as they take a far-out trippy adventure into the infinite worlds.

Devil’s Egg features heavy wah-wah guitars, psyched organ as the instruments including the drums go through a loop in a weird, but not a bad way. By the way, is it just me or did I just imagine I can almost hear a mellotron in the background? Gold and Silver sees Big Hogg going into the styles of ‘70s Glam Rock with brass and flute as they prepare themselves a fine banquet to dine on through reminiscing T. Rex and the Ziggy Stardust period.

The closing track Little Bear, is a haunting short little number that goes for a minute and nineteen seconds. It sees Big Hogg delving into the Acid Folk acoustic side to close the curtains and prepare for a bow. It gives them a chance to take a break from the electric sound while knowing it is time for bed.

Bad Elephant again, scored more home runs for me so far this year. With Orange Clocks, The Gift, and The Far Meadow to name a few, they’ve done it again with Big Hogg. Please check out their music and their new album, Gargoyles.