The man behind Bigfoot Preston, András Gabor, is a musician I have followed for quite some time. He had a brilliant rock band called Ozone Mama who sadly called it a day when they should have garnered worldwide domination. However, knowing András it wouldn't take too long before he'd be back with new music. I just didn't expect him to veer into the realm of alt country/ Americana. Fret not though because András, Bigfoot Preston from now on, never does anything half-hearted and his new venture is no exception. Everything is well-written excellently performed making 'Light Up My Darkness' a wonderful debut!
It all begins with 'The Harbinger', a short, mainly guitar driven instrumental which leads into 'Broken Halos'. Keeping it mid-tempo with nice riffs and, albeit kind of dejected in feel, it offers hope for the down and outs. 'Bluebird Wine' and it's my favourite track on the album. So joyful and upbeat musically with a feel of The Allman Brothers and The Black Crowes About struggling in life but there are brighter days ahead as long as you fight your way out. Next up is another personal favourite in the shape of 'Glorybound' which reminds me of The Alarm. Upbeat, mid-tempo and a guiding light in going for it, take a chance cause you have nothing to lose. 'Carnivale' brings to mind long nice summer evenings nursing big dreams about your future and not get stuck in a rut. So have fun at the carnival; take that big step, get on the rollercoaster and let it take you away!
The title track follows and it's bluesy, on point and with a nice horn section blowing it out of the park. And the guitar playing is brilliant. Another composition offering hope and resolution. 'Melody Lane' has a cool foundation of surf rock mixed with a spaghetti western soundtrack and it works great. It deals with struggles and pain while looking for a resolve. A wonderful song featuring a great guitar solo. 'Borrowed Time' tells us to break free and live our lives to the fullest because we're all living on borrowed time. So make the most of it. Minimalistic musically but so effectual and great. 'My Jerusalem' is the most country-sounding song on the album and like it's predecessor it is minimalistic but oh so good. Looking for peace, salvation, comfort and change amidst the darkness all around you.
Bigfoot Preston has done extremely well putting together his debut album. Not only is everything well done, the music flows perfectly enhancing Bigfoot's main aim....to spread positivity and hope in a time lacking most of that. For me every time I listen to 'Light Up My Darkness' I feel reinvigorated, happy and ready to on any obstacle in life. And that's how great music should be: uplifting, cleansing and simply damned good and that's what Bigfoot Preston offers. Great stuff, indeed!
-Swedebeast
Comments