EP REVIEW: Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time – Big Hug

From London, (not really, more so South Wales and Gloucestershire) we are introduced to BIG HUG and their debut EP Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time. The band themselves have only existed for two years and only began doing live shows a year ago, yet despite that they have gone on to do shows with the likes of UZUMAKI and FIGHTS & FIRES. Their sound takes heavy influence from the likes of TEXAS IS THE REASON and PROMISE RING, meaning that their music is a fusion between 90s emo, post-punk and indie rock.

A promising start, but does it translate into their debut release? Absolutely. As the band start things off with Raise The Bar we’re greeted with a strong indie rock intro which soon combines with the stellar vocals for a track that leaves us feeling good. It has that nostalgic feel, like something that would be used in a late 00s sitcom such as The Inbetweeners, or something that you can easily imagine being played at a music festival in the summer.

Guinness Paltrow continues the flow with gentle strumming. Perhaps this is the only thing we can critique, but the vocals here, whilst still being decent, do feel forced at points on this track, but it’s not a grave concern. The instruments work so well together here with a hook that will remain stuck in your mind, complete with a bassline that is used in a lower pitch in comparison to everything else going on in a way that really compliments the track. Danny Is The Greatest Lover falls into that emo sound that was mentioned earlier, creating something that feels so familiar yet so refreshing. It brings bands like MODERN BASEBALL to mind. Plus, that psychedelic guitar solo? Just incredible.

Next, we arrive at the title track, this time shifting away from the positive vibes the record has provided so far and now going into a more melancholic mood. While at first it might not be as interesting to listen to, it’s still pleasant, and the band move into a gritty alt-rock style in the breakdown to recapture the listener’s attention. And then they conclude everything with All Yours, a fun, upbeat track that experiments with a pop sound that makes you want to get up and dance – a strong finish for a strong EP.

Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time is a breath of fresh air. It’s nostalgic yet it also feels so unique and keeps you on your toes as you think a track might be going one way but then they go with a different style. This EP has an amazing production, it’s well-put together and it leaves us feeling positive and wanting more. We couldn’t ask for more from a debut release.

Rating: 9/10

Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time is set for release on March 3rd via self-release.

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