An American duo who pack an immense level of sound into an incredibly tight package, Big Business are one of the most refreshing bands I’ve come across in a while. Tonight’s show at The Haunt has demonstrated that despite being a long way from home, this two-piece are more than prepared to bring one hell of a show.

It seems that every band playing tonight thrives off of their individual eccentric stylings, the openers are a like-minded two-piece, Human Leather, who immediately kick off the heavy levels of intricate riffs. Using only a bass and a lot of pedals as your key source of melody is always an incredibly overlooked task, yet Human Leather achieve it beautifully and pack an immense sound from their set up. The harsh screamed vocals hit jarringly at times, but Human Leather supplied the buzz that got the ball rolling for this evening. Then came Riddles. I can see the usage of a theremin within their opening track and I'm already hooked before the band even play a note! Not an instrument one sees utilised very often within music, let alone punk rock, but Riddles seem to have found that perfect balance and it suits their sound surprisingly well. There is a sublime amount of solo work and flamboyant stage presence throughout their set which, whilst is remarkably eye catching, does feels somewhat strange as the vocalist flares his naked chest into the crowd. Nonetheless, Riddles’ set above all is incredibly fun and has definitely got the room excited for Big Business.

As the headlining duo finally enter the stage, they share the spotlight evenly. Drummer Coady Willis, is positioned front and centre and immediately demonstrates some incredibly complex drumming patterns to kick off the set. Vocal/bassist Jared Warren then joins adding his powerhouse vocals to the sound and he is easily able to overpower accompanying instruments. Despite a somewhat smaller than expected attendance for a venue of this size, the crowd are incredibly responsive and do not hold back in giving a roar of applause as the opening number comes to a close. Despite being from the States, there is a clear amount of dedication towards this band here in Brighton.

The level of heavy riff does not drop throughout the entire set and it is truly remarkable to not only see how detailed Jared’s bass riffs are, but the level of diverse sound he is able to create through his concoction of various pedals is truly something remarkable. The obvious parallels to Brighton superstars Royal Blood is present, however the two bands feel nothing alike. Big Business’ sound is immensely more raw than Royal Blood’s, as surprising as that sounds, as Jared’s far more coarse vocals hold an intrinsically darkened tone to them.

Tracks from across the band’s decade-long career make appearances, older numbers such as ‘Hands Up’ and ‘Grounds for Divorce’ are received just as well as the newer material from their 2016 album Command Your Weather. This crowd are incredibly dedicated and one attendee has even made a sign depicting the words ‘SPRING BREAK’. This simple gesture has far more of an impact than anyone would have thought, as the colossal track ‘Horses’ is played to finish off Big Business’ set. The track ends with a vast chanting section which Jared playfully adapts to “Spring Break!” and echoing war cries from the crowd equally fill the room. This not only makes the room feel incredibly intimate but, as Jared walks amongst the crowd everyone is more than glad to join in the frantic chanting.

‘Horses’ is the highlight of the entire set and is definitely the best demonstration of the talents this band hold. Throughout the song’s lengthy duration, we not only see Coady’s fantastic and unique usage of heavy drumming and one of the best uses of cowbell percussion that I have ever seen. Jared’s usage of a loop pedals also allows him to generate some fantastically atmospheric tones. The track’s final culmination of sound is truly an awesome thing to witness and made for a sublime ending to the evening.

Big Business are possibly the best duo I have ever seen, not only am I eagerly anticipating their return to Brighton, but I cannot urge you enough to get down there too and be sure to listen to their material.
Ben Walker

Website: bigbigbusiness.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bigbigbiz
Twitter: twitter.com/bigbigbiz