The Owl Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Okay... I know one of the replacment bands for the Prog Nation 09 already has a thread... so I thought I'd talk about the band that is taking Pain of Salvation's place at prognation09. Gearing up for the concert I decided to purchase one of the albums by this band... the latest one "Cheat the Gallows" THIS BAND IS AMAZING! The first listen through was very great.. Bigelf is a remarkably unique band as well... they have their own distinct sound.. and a lovely mix of influences.. There is a metal influence, a prog influence, and even a Glam influence.. If I were to describe this band it would be a mix of Black Sabbath, David Bowie, and Genesis... very good. Has anyone else checked out this band? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlaysLikeMyung Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I've only listened to Scale the Summit, because I can't find any Bigelf albums, but they sound promising, judging by the reviews I've seen. I can't wait to check them out on PN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Check out this song... http://www.rhapsody.com/bigelf/cheat-the-g.../counting-sheep "Counting Sheep"......... the best song on "Cheat the Gallows" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Money Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 That's gonna be a sick concert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 I'll be seeing them a week from today!!!!!!!!! with Dream Theater!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 QUOTE (The Owl @ Jul 20 2009, 02:05 PM) Okay... I know one of the replacment bands for the Prog Nation 09 already has a thread... so I thought I'd talk about the band that is taking Pain of Salvation's place at prognation09. Gearing up for the concert I decided to purchase one of the albums by this band... the latest one "Cheat the Gallows" THIS BAND IS AMAZING! The first listen through was very great.. Bigelf is a remarkably unique band as well... they have their own distinct sound.. and a lovely mix of influences.. There is a metal influence, a prog influence, and even a Glam influence.. If I were to describe this band it would be a mix of Black Sabbath, David Bowie, and Genesis... very good. Has anyone else checked out this band? Owl, I am so thrilled that you started this!!! I ADORE these kids - - I can't say enough about them - - ask TICK!!! Ask Mrs. Tick, I was utterly GLOWING!!! QUOTE If I were to describe this band it would be a mix of Black Sabbath, David Bowie, and Genesis... very good. Yep on the Bowie, but I hear more Deep Purple, Doors, even a touch of Iron Butterfly. Then I hear Pink Floyd, harmonies that harkin' back to The Who and even a little Elton John. But this is no copycat throw-back to the 70's band. BigElf represents a modern combination of psychedelic proggie classic rock with a decidedly Gothic texture. And they're wonderful young men!!! I spent a lot of time with them last night in CT - - skipped out on Zappa just to do so!!! I'll write a full report shortly - - have to wait for the man to upload, download - - all around town-load the BigElf pics first. They sold out of CD's last night. Newbury Comics has sold out down here. This band is HOT!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Okay OWL!!!! How 'bout "psychedelic progressive metal"???? Yep, the more I listen to the two albums we bought Wednesday night, the more I can understand the Sabbath influence. Subtle - - but it's there!!! I've been nursing my wounded heart (T & I can't go with Tick to NYC like I wanted to ) by playing with Wednesday night's pics and I remembered that I needed to put Bigelf here!!! As I reported in the Dream Theater thread, Bigelf brought back memories of a long-ago-heard musical style fused in an original and modern way. T & I rarely entrench this quickly into a catalog - - but we were hooked on the first song we heard in Boston. We purchased two cd's when we saw Prog 09 again in CT, Hex and the new Cheat the Gallows. Hex is good; Cheat the Gallows is AMAZING!!! Wonderously original lyrics - - politically and spiritually charged!!! Like I told the guys when we met up with them - - I have literally waited DECADES for this band. I mean, when's the last time you heard a mellotron??!!?? In fact most of their equipment is vintage, especially exciting were the old drums!!! And "VINTAGE" is the key word to also describe their look, their stage presence, their clothes, and (can I talk about it again and again?!?!? . . . ) their HAIR!!!! Sooooooooo, here are a few pics (excuse the fussies - - the Bigelf psychedelic lightshow messed with Tortoise's camera!): Here's frontman, Damon Fox . . . he writes the lyrics, masters keyboards and vocals . . . and has exquisitely distinguished eyeliner!!! http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03279.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03284.jpg . . . and Damon in his famous tophat!!! http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03287.jpg More to come . . . Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Bigelf pics from PROG NATION 09 Wednesday, August 5th, Connecticut continuing . . . Ace Mark from Finland on guitar: http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03280.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03282.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03288.jpg Duffy Snowhill, also from Helsinki, on bass, sporting delectible dreads!!! http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03272.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03274.jpg More to come . . . Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Bigelf pics from PROG NATION 09 Wednesday, August 5th, Connecticut continuing . . . Tortoise ALWAYS has trouble with the drum shots!!!! But I got a GREAT one!!! This is drummer "Froth" Frothingham, who very kindly introduced himself to me as "Steve"! http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03292c.jpg We were VERY priviledged to be able to talk to all four guys in this L.A. based band. I just had to compliment their talents, their style, and their mission. T & I waited a while, hanging with Bigelf, for the new cases of CD's to come out to the lobby from backstage because they sold out so fast. While we waited I was paying close attention to the band's interaction with the legions of young fans firing questions at the guys. As a mentor of delicate teenage souls myself, I am always observant of the way entertainers and professionals talk to enthusiastic young fans - - who are excited, hyper, and quick to fire a strange assortment of questions. The guys in Bigelf were extraordinarily kind, attentive, respectful and responsive to the kids bombarding them for signatures and such. I was extremely impressed!!!!! They seemed to genuinely be having a fun time of the whole scene!!! They have WONDROUS energy!!!!! They were also very gracious and sweet to a little old rocker granny like myself - - I was bouncing around like a star-struck fourteen year old that night!!! (Man, did that feel good!!! ) We got to spend time with all the guys, but I was doing so much talking, we didn't get as many pics as I had wished. Here's another one Tortoise took of Duffy after I bombarded his eardrums with 70's memories: http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk12/Tortoise-and-Hare/Prog%20Nation%20CT/BIGELF/DSC03290.jpg ps - - THANK YOU FINLAND!!!!! pps - - Did I mention that I love their abrupt change-ups and their sound and their lyrics and their clothes and their HAIR?!? Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinwoodsman Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 Holy Crap!!! T & I have spent the evening with the HEX CD - - OMG!!!!!! GOOSEBUMPS GALORE!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 QUOTE (Tortoise and Hare @ Aug 8 2009, 06:45 PM) Holy Crap!!! T & I have spent the evening with the HEX CD - - OMG!!!!!! GOOSEBUMPS GALORE!!! Hare I bought "Hex" at the show when I went... I still prefer the latest CD better, "Cheat the Gallows"... fantastic album. Did you pick that one up as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 QUOTE (The Owl @ Aug 8 2009, 10:21 PM) QUOTE (Tortoise and Hare @ Aug 8 2009, 06:45 PM) Holy Crap!!! T & I have spent the evening with the HEX CD - - OMG!!!!!! GOOSEBUMPS GALORE!!! Hare I bought "Hex" at the show when I went... I still prefer the latest CD better, "Cheat the Gallows"... fantastic album. Did you pick that one up as well? Yep, yep, yep!!!! Cheat the Gallows is my favorite, too!!!! GOOD STUFF!!! Wish we could go with Tick to NYC tonight to see them again!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 To repeat what I posted in Tick's Dream Theater thread . . . If you're in the Western part of the country, PROG 09 is THE tour to see this year!!! Bigelf is my favorite of the opening bands. The whole PROG 09 evening is MAGIC!!!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeddyRulz Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rush! Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 09:46 AM) I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. Precisely my thoughts on them as well. The music was alright I guess, kind of a nice vintage throwback to Gentle Giant & Yes... Other than that, the rest of the bands were/are far better IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 09:46 AM) I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. QUOTE Standing between two keyboards and fingering both . . . Geez, you made my heart skip a beat . . . I found this comment WICKED exciting!!! I'm sorry you didn't appreciate Bigelf as much as we all did in my family. What you found a bit annoying, in fact, is what I LOVED about Bigelf!!! The showmanship was superb!!! Not overdone at all, IMO! Really unique and exciting!!! STS was soooooooooooooooooo boring to us. We were polite, in appreciation of their technical abilities - - but I felt like I was hearing background music at a political rally! There was nothing to draw us in. THEY NEED A VOCALIST preferably one with eyeliner, a cape, and a tophat!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeddyRulz Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 QUOTE (Tortoise and Hare @ Aug 18 2009, 10:19 AM) QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 09:46 AM) I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. QUOTE Standing between two keyboards and fingering both . . . Geez, you made my heart skip a beat . . . I found this comment WICKED exciting!!! I'm sorry you didn't appreciate Bigelf as much as we all did in my family. What you found a bit annoying, in fact, is what I LOVED about Bigelf!!! The showmanship was superb!!! Not overdone at all, IMO! Really unique and exciting!!! STS was soooooooooooooooooo boring to us. We were polite, in appreciation of their technical abilities - - but I felt like I was hearing background music at a political rally! There was nothing to draw us in. THEY NEED A VOCALIST preferably one with eyeliner, a cape, and a tophat!!! Hare Hey, to each his own. With Prog, I feel the focus should be on the music and its technical difficulty, not showy gimmicks. Prog Haters call our music "pretentious" and such unnecessary displays of theatrics don't help. It reminds me of when Chris Squire (one of my musical heroes actually) whips out his triple-neck bass. Triple neck??? Is that necessary for playing the song??? Somehow, I doubt it. Squire only has two hands. It was really just an ostentatious display of "Hey, look how cool and complicated my equipment is! And you thought double necks were cool!" I loved Scale the Summit. They began playing while we were still finding our seats; I heard their music and stole the occassional glance at the stage and thought, "Oh yeah, we're in good hands tonight!" And I also think a vocalist might ruin what they have going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 10:24 AM) QUOTE (Tortoise and Hare @ Aug 18 2009, 10:19 AM) QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 09:46 AM) I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. QUOTE Standing between two keyboards and fingering both . . . Geez, you made my heart skip a beat . . . I found this comment WICKED exciting!!! I'm sorry you didn't appreciate Bigelf as much as we all did in my family. What you found a bit annoying, in fact, is what I LOVED about Bigelf!!! The showmanship was superb!!! Not overdone at all, IMO! Really unique and exciting!!! STS was soooooooooooooooooo boring to us. We were polite, in appreciation of their technical abilities - - but I felt like I was hearing background music at a political rally! There was nothing to draw us in. THEY NEED A VOCALIST preferably one with eyeliner, a cape, and a tophat!!! Hare Hey, to each his own. With Prog, I feel the focus should be on the music and its technical difficulty, not showy gimmicks. Prog Haters call our music "pretentious" and such unnecessary displays of theatrics don't help. It reminds me of when Chris Squire (one of my musical heroes actually) whips out his triple-neck bass. Triple neck??? Is that necessary for playing the song??? Somehow, I doubt it. Squire only has two hands. It was really just an ostentatious display of "Hey, look how cool and complicated my equipment is! And you thought double necks were cool!" I loved Scale the Summit. They began playing while we were still finding our seats; I heard their music and stole the occassional glance at the stage and thought, "Oh yeah, we're in good hands tonight!" And I also think a vocalist might ruin what they have going. That is without a doubt one of the best analogies I have ever read.. Okay perhaps the dual keyboard was not nessissary, and was a gimmick... so what the guy played well... I enjoyed the music very much... though where I was standing I was right beside the bass player's amp and did not get a good balance of sound.. But the 2 studio albums I have I enjoy very much, and I found these guys very entertaining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Money . . . it's pure evil . . . it changes . . . changes people . . . LOVE THESE GUYS!!!! It would be sooooooooooooo cool if Portnoy brings them back to open in the spring!!! Just dreamin'!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeddyRulz Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 QUOTE (The Owl @ Aug 18 2009, 01:26 PM) QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 10:24 AM) QUOTE (Tortoise and Hare @ Aug 18 2009, 10:19 AM) QUOTE (GeddyRulz @ Aug 18 2009, 09:46 AM) I myself preferred the youngsters in the instrumental band Scale the Summit. Bigelf was a little too much into "showmanship," specifically the vocalist/keyboardist, his tophat, and his thing for unnecessarily playing two keyboards when one could easily handle the simplicity of what he's playing. Standing between two keyboards and fingering both was all gimmickry. Bigelf was definitely my least favorite of the four bands on the tour. QUOTE Standing between two keyboards and fingering both . . . Geez, you made my heart skip a beat . . . I found this comment WICKED exciting!!! I'm sorry you didn't appreciate Bigelf as much as we all did in my family. What you found a bit annoying, in fact, is what I LOVED about Bigelf!!! The showmanship was superb!!! Not overdone at all, IMO! Really unique and exciting!!! STS was soooooooooooooooooo boring to us. We were polite, in appreciation of their technical abilities - - but I felt like I was hearing background music at a political rally! There was nothing to draw us in. THEY NEED A VOCALIST preferably one with eyeliner, a cape, and a tophat!!! Hare Hey, to each his own. With Prog, I feel the focus should be on the music and its technical difficulty, not showy gimmicks. Prog Haters call our music "pretentious" and such unnecessary displays of theatrics don't help. It reminds me of when Chris Squire (one of my musical heroes actually) whips out his triple-neck bass. Triple neck??? Is that necessary for playing the song??? Somehow, I doubt it. Squire only has two hands. It was really just an ostentatious display of "Hey, look how cool and complicated my equipment is! And you thought double necks were cool!" That is without a doubt one of the best analogies I have ever read.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangy Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 in the keyboardists defense, both of those keyboards looked ancient to me, like they were made in the 70's or even earlier. maybe thats why he needed two?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 QUOTE (tangy @ Aug 26 2009, 11:43 AM) in the keyboardists defense, both of those keyboards looked ancient to me, like they were made in the 70's or even earlier. maybe thats why he needed two?? One of them was an OLD Mellotron as well.......... I think the setup was unique... If you look at any Big time keyboard/synth player they usually have more than one board with them.... Usually they go with an L-Shaped setup... so this guy wants to do something unique and sing at the same time... It was very cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Owl Posted March 5, 2010 Author Share Posted March 5, 2010 Just listened to "Cheat the Gallows" again today........ Great freaking album! IF you told me this album came out in 1974 I would have believed you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortoise and Hare Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 QUOTE (The Owl @ Mar 5 2010, 02:50 AM) Just listened to "Cheat the Gallows" again today........ Great freaking album! IF you told me this album came out in 1974 I would have believed you. Like I said . . . I thought someone had transported me back to high school!!!!! I stood in awe!!!! I must've bruised Jay's thigh cause I kept punchin' him sideways!!!! Even their warm-hearted temperament is soooooooooooooo much as mellow as their mellotron! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool!!! I'm hoping BIGELF comes back sometime soon. They are finishing up with Dream Theater in South America. Then, just yesterday we learned what DT will be busy with!!!!!!! PINCH ME - - I still can't believe it!!! Sooooooo I'm hoping that Bigelf will show up on another schedule! And with RUSH rumors floating around . . . this summer could be an historical whirlwind!!!! Hare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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