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With Ambel directing the proceedings, Big In Iowa jumps from the gate like a frisky bronc and never quits bucking through a set of original rootsy rockers and rough-house alt-country romps. And the single cover on the album, the grooving '60s anthem by The Music Explosion, "Little Bit of Soul," is a spare, restrained production bullseye, demonstrating both the band's seasoned maturity and Ambel's positive influence. There are comparisons that can be drawn between Big In Iowa and other country-tinged Midwestern roots bands like Hadacol and Big Smith. Singer Bob Burns writes most of the band's material, and his songs project either a sly country boy grin or an overt unashamed optimism that signals "things are OK." As unlikely as it may be that anything new can be said about drunkenness and the morning after, Burns's "I Forgot What I Remembered" ("I forgot what I remembered last night/I've been blinded by my own headlights") covers familiar ground in a new way, and his woe-are-we co-write of the rocking "Gettin' Gone" with bassist Ken Glidewell and lead guitarist Rick House gives a fresh perspective to an age-old pitfall of one-night stands. I woke up in the mornin' and my wallet was gone But these humorous, light-hearted tracks only scratch the surface of Big In Iowa's talent. The energetic "She's So Happy," with its infectious, unstoppable syncopation, is the hardest Big In Iowa tune to get out of your head. Oh, no, I think I've just witnessed a murder "Green Thoughts" is rock designed for arenas. The guitars build intensity as they work off each other and Ambel mixes in a "Brown Sugar" horn track that makes the track sound like the Rolling Stones backing up Neil Young on one of his nature idylls. This is an album of big, resonating guitars and "Stupid Lies" demonstrates the twangiest side of Big In Iowa. Lead guitarist Rick House has been voted Guitarist of the Year several times in Cincinnati and he shows why here. The band has a pleasing alt-country side. The country-rocking "Can You Hear Me" and "Move Along" will definitely bring out Flying Burrito Brothers associations. The radio ain't playing The other unforgettable track on Green Pop is the love song "Natasha," another syncopated, crunchy, big beat, twang track. Burns's wistful, drawling vocal is perfect for this song of longing and unfulfilled want. When I drink my vodka I dream of Natasha Things take a dark turn on "Joe Baldwin's Head." A tale about a train conductor who is decapitated in a train wreck he risked his life to prevent, the story takes its cues from the tale of the headless horseman. The band winds the tune tight and lays on plenty of musical edge. Walk the tracks, Joe Baldwin, and wave your lantern bright Green Pop is another step up for Big In Iowa. Eric Ambel's production has elevated BII's game another notch, making Green Pop a great fit in any alt-country and roots rock lover's CD case. Already regulars at European roots venues, I suspect these guys won't just be Big In Iowa for long. *So if they are from Cincinnati, why do they call themselves
Big In Iowa? Find out at www.biginiowa.com.
Also check out the excellent Blue Rose Records roots and alt-country
catalog at www.bluerose-records.com(you'll
have to click on that little flag icon down at the bottom to
enter). |
After four albums
since 1996, Cincinnati's Big In Iowa seems to have found its
best performance yet under the influence of twang producer Eric
Ambel. Known for his stripped down, big beat production methods
and musical vision, Ambel seems to have encountered Big In Iowa
at just the right moment.
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