BC & The Big Rig is a band that describes its sound as “shred dirt”. It’s a term that incorporates the loud and nimble work on the guitar and the band’s red-dirt roots in Oklahoma. The band has been busy since forming in 2015, releasing five albums, including a double-live album entitled Tour de Dive Bar.
No matter what you call the band’s sound, one way to describe it is big. The sound of the new album Liars & Saints goes heavy on the guitar, to the point that it’s easy to imagine this band playing big venues rooms and even arenas. Like Blackberry Smoke, this band also includes a fair amount of boogie, especially in the rhythms. The new album was recorded in Nashville. Of the album, guitarist Sam Naifeh said, “There’s just something that happens when you’re away from home. There’s more of an urgency, realness, and finality to the process.” Whatever magic happened in the studio comes through loud and clear on this album.
A lot of songs have been written about rough mornings. “Shakes” begins with the lyrics, “I can’t remember what I did last night. Taco Tuesday must have got me in a fight.” Brandon Clark goes on to sing, “Bloodshot eyes and my head aches. I gotta drink myself through the shakes.” This one features the sort of boogie sound that has been a staple on the radio since the 70s with bands like Molly Hatchet. And like every good morning-after song, it includes a vow to never have that kind of night again.
“Kid at Heart” is a change of mood and tempo. It begins with vocals and picking on an acoustic guitar and at times leans toward a Cajun sound. In the song, Clark delivers a message we can all use. “For those times when the days go dark, try to remember to stay a kid at heart.”
“Saint” features the same sort of guitar sounds you hear in the other songs. However, this one also embraces a New Orleans sound with the piano and the rhythm section. It’s an interesting combination with a guitar solo that is reminiscent of Derek Trucks.
The album closes with “Scraps,” which features a beat that is sure to get your foot tapping. It also features the loud guitar that is part of the band’s M.O. The chorus includes a line that is easy to sing along with, “It’s hard to make a living when all you’re gettin’ are the scraps.” It’s the sort of line that Blackberry Smoke has mastered and that fans sing loudly at a show.
Liars & Saints (Horton Records) by BC & The Big Rig is proof that rock isn’t dead. Like rock bands from the 70s, this band goes heavy on the guitar and gives the listener a rhythm to dance to. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself pumping your fist and singing along just like when you listen to your favorite classic-rock bands.
One Response
Amazing album and band!