3 out of 5

Label: Valley King

Produced by: Big Business (BB, recorded by), Phil Becker (POL, recorded by)

I do like Big Business quite a bit, but I love them as a singles-making band. They are one of those experiences that, firstly, I’m sure rocks live, but secondly, if you play any single song – given you’re down with meaty, thick-as-donkies’-fuzz takes on 70s rock – it is almost guaranteed to garner attention. But: it’s a limited range, as the band does it, and I tend to lose attention across most of their albums. Something that, once you’re aware of it, can even be detected in individual songs – “Send Help” goes back for a round 2 of verse and chorus and it doesn’t change much from round 1- but dang, still, as a single, especially when I haven’t listened to BB in a while, I’m always wondering why I don’t listen to this band more. Soaring vocals, bleed-your-ears drums, and a fantastic riff.

“Hold On To The Sky” is my first Pins Of Light jam, but this sounds like a band worth exploring. It’s definitely less immediate than Big Business – being a bit less pummeling, a bit more jangle on the rock front – but in the same vein, and I can see how that could be more rewarding over an album. As an individual track, it’s a bit wandering, losing the tightness of its main melody and momentum when the group switches over to a somewhat forced bridge. Still, the sincerity is there, and the group has a warmth in their playing / singing style (maybe enhanced by John McBain’s mastering) that I dig.