Customer Reviews

Cheat the Gallows

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Big Elf open for a band at the dragonfly in hollywood years ago. They totally upstaged the headlining act. Fantastic. I bought a CD back then and its been years since I've listened but when I saw they had a new album out I figured what the heck - and I'm glad I got it.

It's a totally unique album in my collection of thousands. Even though the riffage, harmonies, guitar leads are reminiscent of all my favorite classic rock bands - beatles, floyd, zeppelin, sabbath, and all the prog-rock favorites too - rush, ELO, Yes, Tangerine Dream, etc - this album distills it all and still manages to sound totally different. The production value is very high; orchestras, horns sections, and layered vocals are not spared. On top of it all are some very groovy guitar and bass riffs that keep going off in my head over the last few days. Some of it is very catchy.

WOW
this is the most bizarre album ever is this David Bowie Queen Yes The Beatles Black Sabbath some kind of Alice Cooper/Bowie concept album it is so right out of 1973-1975 had this come out in that era this would be called a classic rock masterpiece now that it is 2008 this is just weird although no band would dare attempt this [GOOD JOB DUDES]this is one that will just go over todays youths heads and that is a shame because this is a CLASSIC ALBUM OF ALL TIME
everybody you are missing out for sure

When I first listened to this album I wasn't sure what I was listening to, but after listening to each song, I was brought back to my youth listening to ELO and Pink Floyd with a mix of the Beatles and the vocals of Ozzy Osbourne. If you loved the Heavy Metal of the 70's and the production of Jeff Lynne, you'll love this album.

I've been reading about Big Elf for a while now, but not heard any of their stuff, but decided to take the plunge with this album. Upon first listen they totally reminded me of someone, but I could not quite put my finger on who it was. Sure there are tons of influences here like The Beatles, Deep Purple, Stolen Babies, Uriah Heap, Queen, Pink Floyd and maybe even a little Jellyfish, but the band's music really reminded me of someone specific that was right on the tip of my brain that I couldn't come up with. Finally it hit me, the sound I was hearing, to my ears reminded me of a modern day version of Nektar. For those unfamiliar with Nektar they were (and are) a late 70's era progressive rock band that never became huge, but had (and continue to have) a cultish loyal following. Big Elf seems to channel the spirit of Nektar in their music, vocals, and lyrics to a large degree. This is not to say that Big Elf's music is derivative. Far from the case I find Big Elf to be one of the most refreshing young bands to come along in years. This album is full of great material that delves into progressive rock, hard rock, and even slightly into metal territory at times. Instrumentally the band are rock solid, and again the vocals and lyrics remind me a lot of Roye Albriton from Nektar. Big Elf has had a nice boost to their career in the past year being able to land opening slots on both extensive Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater greatly raising their profile. I have not had the chance to see this band live yet, but they have a great stage reputation. If you are looking for something different, a dose of prog mixed with 70's style hard rock, this album may be for you. One of the best albums of 2009 for sure.

Take equal parts Pink Floyd and Uriah Heep, add a dollop of Beatles and sprinkle with a dash of Queen. Real tasty! Bet you can't listen just once.

We need more bands like this. This is a band that listens to and makes great music unlike 99% of what is on the radio/much-music. Very awesome unique sounding band.

Another superb effort by Damon and the boys. He's come along way and suffered through some serious challenges with the music but somehow he's stood the test of time. This new record is just as good as the last. Beatles, Floyd,Sabbath it's all there with rippin guitars and bellowing keys that summon the gods back to the days of real music. You punkers won't like this....there's actual musicians involved here. For those of you would rather rock with feel and compassion this is the band for you. Killer melodies, vocals and real songwriting from beginning to end. Don't be afraid to show your true colors.....all your friends will thank you.

If you haven't heard Bigelf then start with this album. Great songwriting, great hard rock with 70's doom/psych/beatlesque sounds all mixed together into a unique and wonderful album from start to finish. Don't "cheat" yourself out of one of the best currently active hard rock bands in the world. If you like Uriah Heep, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, etc. then this is for you. I've seen them live 3 times and they always blow me away. Melodic song writing, killer heavy guitar/bass section, thudding doomy organ playing, with amazing drum chops keeping it all together. And the lyrics and visuals are so cool You gotta see them live. It's mesmerizing.

Bigelf's music is best described as an amalgamation of classic 70's rock sounds fused together with a dose of carnival-like zaniness reminiscent of Mr. Bungle. There are moments where they perhaps sound a little too similar to other bands (Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, the Beatles), but for the most part Bigelf manage to blend these influences to create their own sound, and in doing so have created a rather impressive collection of retro-prog hard rock songs. This album is well worth checking out.

I've liked some of BE's past stuff, but this cd lacked imagination. Every song sounded like The Doors with John Lennon singing, with the exception of Race with Time, which I rather enjoyed. It just got to be too gimmicky after about the half way mark. I really want to like these guys, but they need to step up the songwriting.....