Big Machine 

Big Buzz Special: Big Machine 

(from antiMusic editor Keavin Wiggins) Have you heard the buzz yet about Big Machine? The band's debut gig sold out almost as soon as ticket went on sale and labels are falling all over themselves to get a piece of the action.  There are a few good reasons why.  

One: the band is rock solid and plays a brand of ballsy rock n roll that never goes out of style. 

Two: Big Machine's songs were co-written by AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and the band members were handpicked by the legendary rocker. 

Three: Johnson picked a strong roster of musicians for the band including former Neurotica/Atheist vocalist Kelly Shaefer and of course the man that co-wrote the songs Doug Kaye on guitar.   (Kelly was one of the finalist to take the vocalist spot in Velvet Revolver. )

Four: While Johnson co-wrote the songs they sound ironically reminiscent of Bon Scott era AC/DC.   

There are more reasons to get excited about Big Machine. While the band is sure to please fans that grew up with this brand of real heavy rock n roll, I was interested about how the younger generation would relate to them, so I handed off a demo of the songs to our very own Mark Hensch and he thought so highly of them he decided that a mini review was in order.  His take on Big Machine is below, followed by a link to their site so you can check them out for yourself and see what all the buzz is about. 

A Preview of things to come: Big Machine
By Mark Hensch 

Swinging through like a Mesa sandstorm, Big Machine (fronted by Kelly of Neurotica fame) are poised to mosey into town and take the music world by surprise. And with good reason. For people like myself who know little Neurotica, Big Machine will knock your socks off. Playing boozy southern bar rock that sounds like a Southwestern AC/DC with a dash of Motorhead-ish vocals, this is one well-oiled machine indeed. 

"Women are Crazy" is a growling rock anthem that simply grips you in a jamming sonic vice and never relents and lets go. 

"Wild Wild West" is a booze soaked piece of hard rock Americana, warts and all, and is another strong track. 

"Party Time" hits the stride nicely, just the kind of tune you would want to drive a smoking car to down an open road. 

Even the weakest (in my opinion) tune  "Somebody's Looking at Me" swaggers with cocksure hardrock a few taps of the keg above the lame "hard rock" icons my generation has unfortunately been saddled with. If you like your music hard, rocking, crazy, and intoxicating, mark your CD list with a spot for Big Machine. Expect Big things.

Big Machine Demo (songs rated on a scale of 5 individually)

1. All Women are Crazy 4 out of 5 stars
2. Wild Wild West 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Party Time for 2 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Somebody's Looking 3.5 out of 5 stars

Wanna hear for yourself?  Visit Big Machine's official site to hear the songs and learn more about the group.