They say every day is a school day and there is a lot of truth in the saying. Writing reviews is not just finding new music. The process teaches you a lot about the language as well. Take the word “huzzah” for that matter. You may have heard it being uttered – usually by posh folks – as a means of celebration, a cheer really. But the true meaning of the word is a praise, much like amen or hallelujah and it often ended prayers. It originates from Mongolian word “huree”- a battle cry or mutual encouragement among the soldiers in the XIII century Mongol Empire. At the end of the Middle Ages, the empire stretched from the Sea of Japan to modern Czech and Slovakia and the custom of shouting huzzah spread to many countries across the globe. Over the centuries it lost its association with the army and became a favourite among soldiers, merchants and nobility. In the XVII century, it was used by Shakespeare and at the Royal Court especially during the so called “social season” in London where parties, fancy balls and birthday parties were a daily occurrence.
Just for the sake of this review, I`d like to use huzzah in the original sense as a praise. Because Biggus Riffus` new single is not only a phenomenal piece of metal music, but nearly a masterclass on how to write jaw dropping solos and reference 90s music without falling into nostalgia.
Fronted by multi-instrumentalist, music producer and owner of The Vaults Studio – Mikey Pee, the Warrington based project has a revolving door of seasoned noise makers: James Beedham of Eccentric Pony, Stuart Pendergast of Hospital of Death, Ash Wall of Le Beat and Stu Fagan of Beyond The Beat.
“Huzzah! Huzzah!” was demoed by Martin Hammond at the Hammer Studio in Wigan and recorded at The Motor Museum in Liverpool with Martin, Mikey Pee and Ste Kelly producing and mastering.
The single is nearing perfection. From the breakneck speed to the wall shattering drums, Biggus Riffus brings back the best of industrial metal and grunge in one serving. Just imagine a world where Monster Magnet is fronted by Kurt Cobain and that’s the closest you will get to describing what is happening on the record. OK, maybe let`s add Slash on the guest appearance because the riffage is just something you would expect from a Guns `n` Roses release. The song features Ste Bratt of Hospital of Death on guitar duties and that`s the most impressive shredding I`ve heard this year. Hand on the heart.
No wonder that Biggus Riffus played stages at Bloodstock Festival and its members toured Europe. If “Huzzah! Huzzah!” is a taste of things to come, we may be receiving a hell of a record from the band next year. A material deserving to be released on a label and having a proper promotion.
One thing makes me a bit sad. Biggus Riffus seem to be content on making music away from the music industry: they have “real jobs” and families and write/tour when they can. They don’t seem to be looking to change things. Promotion of “Huzzah! Huzzah!” is as minimal as the EPK provided, there is not even a cover for the release – just one promotional picture. It takes forever to find anything about the band, even a small bio. Don’t get me wrong, there is no such thing as a “correct way” of making music and not every artist is competitive. Not everyone has to be Prince and even Prince Roger Nelson had a day job outside music (he was a ballet dancer by education) and family life. It`s just that “Huzzah! Huzzah!” has all elements of a successful record that could easily be on charts and mainstream radio stations. But for that a management and a label would have to be involved. I understand and respect that musicians do not want to get involved in a cutthroat affair of labels and big bucks. Being self-reliant is important to many. But speaking solely as an A&R- I wish the band took the single (and the album) to a label and had it released to the masses with a bang. It`s one of those songs that started big careers. Maybe I`m old fashioned but I do believe in the power of a great single. Just ask Bush about the impact of “Everything Zen”.
You can follow Biggus Riffus on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/biggusriffus
https://twitter.com/BiggusRiffus
https://www.instagram.com/mikeypee666/
https://biggusriffus.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/album/3k58g1vfVSOR2Oi09JmtZi?si=DaqIMx5pRe6iXQ56xeQblA
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 