The Chicago noise rock titans BIG’N have unveiled a darkly evocative music video for “Arkansas Death Cult,” a standout track from their latest album End Comes Too Soon. Directed by Jamie Fleischel, the video delivers a chilling visual complement to the song, marrying 1950s Americana with harrowing themes of despair and cruelty.
In a statement, Fleischel revealed the minimal creative guidance from the band: “It’s a pretty dark song, so the video should reflect that.”
This simple directive led to a stark exploration of the shadows cast by an ostensibly idyllic postwar American childhood.
Fleischel reimagines a suburban landscape—complete with disfigured, dead-eyed children—as a “portrait of despair” shaped by neglectful adults. As Fleischel explained, “This is a place that is, indeed, fucked.” The video mirrors the song’s foreboding tone, cycling through scenes of indifference, tragedy, and hopeless repetition.
Founded in 1990, BIG’N became a cornerstone of the noise rock scene, known for their pummeling soundscapes and emotionally charged performances.
Their core lineup—vocalist William Akins, guitarist Todd Johnson, bassist Fred Popolo, and drummer Brian Wnukowski—crafted an influential catalog, including their seminal 1996 release Discipline Through Sound, recorded by the late Steve Albini.
A split single with SHELLAC and tours alongside heavyweights in the rock world further cemented their reputation.
After a hiatus, the band returned in 2010, spurred by a new wave of interest. They released fresh material and revisited their classics, culminating in the Knife of Sin EP in 2018 and the expanded reissue DTS 25 in 2022. Both were recorded by Albini, whose recent passing in May 2024 cast a somber light on their newest album.
Released on November 15, 2024, via Computer Students™, End Comes Too Soon is BIG’N’s first full-length album in 28 years. The record, produced by Shane Hochstetler at Chicago’s Electrical Audio, showcases their unyielding ferocity.
The band’s signature elements remain intact: Brian Wnukowski’s precise, propulsive drumming; Fred Popolo’s intricate basslines; Todd Johnson’s harmonically rich guitar work; and William Akins’ visceral, emotive vocals.
The album’s dual recording locations—Studio A for Side A and Studio B for Side B—lend an organic symmetry to its structure.
Tracks like “South of Loathsome,” “Capsized,” and “Arkansas Death Cult” highlight BIG’N’s ability to blend pulverizing instrumentation with emotional resonance. Interspersed throughout are six interludes, or “Transmissions,” adding texture and depth to the album’s pacing.
The album’s title, taken from a lyric, unintentionally resonates as a tribute to Steve Albini’s enduring influence. His work with BIG’N on their earlier records and the recording environment at Electrical Audio continue to shape their sound. As a posthumous nod to his legacy, End Comes Too Soon stands as both a powerhouse statement and a heartfelt acknowledgment of his impact.
The album is available in three formats, each reflecting Computer Students™’ meticulous approach to quality. The standard 180-gram vinyl comes in a matte-finish gatefold cover. A deluxe edition includes aluminum packaging and a poster, while an ultra-limited run of 70 copies features Type-1 aluminum packaging with exclusive red print.
End Comes Too Soon is available for streaming and purchase at Computer Students™’ website.
