Mathy emo indie rockers BIG HUG share top 5 UK under the radar bands, influences, new EP rundown

In the heart of London’s ever-evolving alt scene, BIG HUG emerges with their second EP, “A Living You’ll Never Know,” a compelling journey through the grit and grind of late-stage Britain. This DIY emo/punk band intricately weaves together elements of math rock, punk, and indie, creating a soundscape that resonates with the perseverance required to navigate today’s societal challenges.

Their EP, released on March 1, 2024, is a deep dive into perfeclty balanced indie-rock and emo realms, enriched by the dreamy and ethereal textures brought to life in the studio.

“Pyrrhic Opposites,” the EP’s intro, sets the tone with its dreamy and ethereal vibe, thanks to some studio magic by Tom Hill. It’s a piece that transforms a lingering riff into a full-bodied atmospheric experience.

“Cruellemonde De La Hi Fi” tackles the existential dread of modern work culture, inspired by David Graeber’s “Bullshit Jobs,” capturing the depression of valueless labor in society.

 

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“Nothing Changes” morphs from a straightforward punk/emo tune into a bouncy, mathy number, reflecting on the relentless cycle of despair and stagnation that seems to engulf the world.

Then there’s “Gary on Earth,” a track carrying legacy from the members’ past endeavors, juxtaposed with lyrics that critique the UK’s empathy deficit towards newcomers.

Each song on the EP unveils layers of BIG HUG’s contemplation on life, work, and societal structures, all while navigating through the complexities of human emotion and societal critique.

The recording and mixing prowess of Tom Hill at Bookhouse Studios, London, paired with Carl Saff’s mastering at Saff Mastering, and Cal Hudson’s artwork from Hate Paste Design, contribute to the EP’s immersive experience. With additional writing from Charlie Furness on “Gary on Earth,” and the cohesive talents of Tom Watkins, Henry Langston, and Owain Mumford, “A Living You’ll Never Know” stands as a reflective mirror to the tumultuous times it seeks to understand.

BIG HUG join us today to share insights into their musical influences and the local UK bands they believe deserve more ears and hearts. Check it out below after you finish listening to their EP.

5 Influential albums

Farewell Bend – In Passing

I got to this album a little late but it quickly became such a huge influence. When I heard it, it felt like all of my favourite emo bands past and present had come together to make the best ever emo record.

Sunny Day Real Estate – How it feels to be something on

Jeremy Enigk for me has one of the best voices in rock. The first two SDRE records are obviously incredible in their own right, but I think this is the album where his voice really shines the most. It gives so much more depth and aching to an incredible set of songs.

Fugazi – The Argument

This album is both so ferocious and so gentle, but the dynamics throughout are so controlled it always sounds like the same album, and it’s so consistent.

At the Drive In – Relationship of Command

From the first second to the last it never lets up. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a record that leaps out of the speakers and grabs your head as much as Relationship of Command.

Pele – Elephant

All the songs have a real vibrant playful feel to them, its been a massive influence on the way we write guitar parts.

5 cool UK bands worth a listen

(mostly local-ish to London)

We’ve been playing shows for about 2 years now and along the way we’ve found ourselves becoming part of an amazing and supportive community of insanely good bands, and most importantly, good people. It’s been a really important part of our journey.

Fuzzy Heart

Muttering

Breakfast with Bears

Every Face Becomes a Skull

Lakes

The Yacht Club