BIG’N, a name synonymous with Chicago’s noise rock scene since the early ’90s, is set to drop their first full-length album in 28 years, End Comes Too Soon, on November 15, 2024. Released through Computer Students™, this album marks a significant return for the band that has been intermittently active over the past decades, building a legacy with a reputation for blistering live performances and a sound that has only grown sharper and more disciplined with time.
Formed in 1990, BIG’N quickly made a name for themselves with their debut and sophomore albums, the latter being Discipline Through Sound, which became their signature release under the legendary Skingraft Records.
Their momentum saw them sharing a split single with the iconic SHELLAC, before the band faded from the scene, resurfacing only in the 2010s with new releases and tours that reignited their fervent fan base.
End Comes Too Soon was recorded at Chicago’s Electrical Audio, the famed studio owned by the late Steve Albini, who had been a significant figure in BIG’N’s past recordings.
The album was crafted under the precise engineering of Shane Hochstetler, with its two sides unintentionally capturing the essence of Electrical Audio’s two studios — a fitting tribute to the legacy of Albini, who passed away suddenly on May 7, 2024.
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Although the album’s title was derived from a lyric and not directly intended as a nod to Albini, the timing and circumstances have inevitably imbued the record with a sense of homage to the man and his enduring influence on the band.
The album’s structure is as meticulous as the band’s sound, with Brian Wnukowski’s drumming providing a solid backbone, Fred Popolo’s bass lines constructing a metallic framework, and Todd Johnson’s guitar adding harmonic depth that elevates the noise rock genre. William Akins’ vocals remain as raw and confrontational as ever, delivering a therapeutic intensity that is as unsettling as it is captivating.
Available in several editions, End Comes Too Soon caters to both collectors and digital listeners. The standard edition comes on 180-gram vinyl with a 6mm spine gatefold cover and a matte finish, while the deluxe edition offers a more tactile experience with Type-2 aluminum packaging and a massive double-sided poster. For the true collectors, a limited run of 70 copies is available exclusively through Computer Students™, known for their meticulous approach to packaging and presentation, housed in Type-1 aluminum packaging with striking red print. All editions are currently available for pre-order through the label’s website.
“South of Loathsome,” the album’s second track, is a standout that encapsulates the band’s current sound. It merges the relentless power of the rhythm section with Akins’ ferocious vocals, creating a sonic landscape that evolves and intensifies as the track progresses.
It’s a prime example of BIG’N at their peak, showcasing their ability to refine and sharpen their chaotic energy into something cohesive and compelling.
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