Big Midget (Crotchwobblers Vol. 1)
Crank this to 8.2 of 11
Released: 2018
Genre: Stoner Rock
Sounds Like: Queens of the Stoneage, Brunt
We tend to shy away from albums that are solo projects entailing all instruments coming from one. Perhaps it is a psychological thing with the notion that the instruments are somewhat artificially blended together and the fact that the album was not truly a simultaneous and harmonious production. George Styles and his solo project BIG. MIDGET have helped us embrace and somewhat overcome this unwarranted stigma. The UK native has put together a very well thought out (and primarily instrumental) journey. While at first blush we anticipated comedic rock by the name and album title, this could not be further from reality.
Crotchwobblers Vol. 1 is actually quite melodic containing some nostalgic old school grooves Ala Truckfighters , Earthless, and Los Natas. Styles shines with some very tight yet fuzzy fretwork keeping a consistent backdrop throughout the album that calls for a full sitting listen vs. throwing on one off tracks. His upper distinctive range reminds us quite a bit of Josh Homme. Niall Walsh occasional vocals (tracks #4, #10, and #12) add a good solid agro-infusion to the album not completely derailing the flow.
Track Listing:
1. Swing it Over My Shoulder (4:03)
2. What Do The People Want? (3:10)
3. Troubadorian March (4:02)
4. In the Mirror Naked (4:02)
5. Bop Sweat (:39)
6. Cunt Puncher ( 2:12)
7. Lungholes (5:35)
8. Wince (4:21)
9. Hurly-Girly (3:48)
10. Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me (1:10)
11. Mood Music (interlude) (:34)
12. Swing it Over My Shoulder (Return)(4:01)
Standout Track:
"Wince" takes the top spot for us. We appreciate the contrast and heavier edge to this track. Ominous overtones and an infections melody strike a serious chord with us. Styles brings things down in a very naturally raw way, reminding us a bit of some old school Kyuss alaWretchorBlues For the Red Sun. The closer "Swing it Over My Shoulder" comes in at a close second. Niall Walsh does a nice job with the lax vocals and lazy hazy attributes.
Adult Beverage Pairing:
We recommend the 6 Foot Midget IPA (6.1% ABV) from Jactaboss Brewing Company. Heavy hops and nutty aromas make for a pleasant Crotchwobbler accompaniment.
ROTATION RECAP:
Captivation and Variety
8.1
Vocal Performance
7.8
Weight of the Heavy
7.9 out of 11
Hallucinogenic levels
8.1 out of 11
Fretwork Prowess
8.6 out of 11
Percussion Prowess
7.7 out of 11
Overall Album Flow
8.2 out of 11
Contrast
8.3 out of 11
Album Cover Aesthetics
8.1 out of 11
Production Value
7.9 out of 11
Final Thoughts:
Stoner fans will enjoy adding this one to their collection. While it is primarily an instrumental album, the 3 vocal tracks to add some flavor. We encourage you not to let the solo one man project taint you. Styles is a crafty guitarist with a true love for the genre. Well worth your time to download this one.
Follow Big Midget: Bandcamp / Facebook
