Big Deal: ‘Lights Out’ – Album Review

In this current social climate, where subtle quirks provoke cries of “hipster!” it’s not exactly easy for a girl/boy duo like Big Deal with their scruffy and effortlessly attractive looks to escape such accusations. This is made harder by the rumours that approach the subject of the guitar duos relationship, and the 11-year age gap between them.

However, 29-year-old American Kacey Underwood and 18-year-old Brit Alice Costelloe are far from just another alt-folk/indie act. During their first meetings Underwood taught Costelloe Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. songs – a factor that plays out within their album ‘Lights Out’ right from the opening track ‘Distant Neighbourhood.’ The distorted electric guitar adds a gritty punch from the outset and as ‘Chair’ continues in the same vein you soon realise this duo are void of a rhythm section. Instead they rely on the driving melody of their vocal unison, letting Underwood shine while Costelloe adds the foundations in the backing, which adds a further layer to the minimal sound.

Sonically, while lacking the punch of a rhythm section, throughout ‘Lights Out’ Big Deal come out sounding robust, with less of a wishy-washy acoustic sound which takes hold of grunge influences that make ‘Cool Like Kurt’ more stoner laden than twee. The lyrics themselves don’t quite quash the rumours of romantic intimacy, rather they add to the mystery. They deal with youthful anxieties, but carrying both the experience of Underwood and naivety of Costelloe well.

Themes of childish love, anguish and sexual longings are dealt with through youthful themes within ‘Homework’ and ‘Talk.’ Yet far from simply teenage angst, this record holds the maturity to deal with a narrative with detailed examination. It gives you a clear insight into the complexities of the proposed relationships, while still offering up the mystery of the duo’s own.

With no rhythm section it is evident that some of the 12 tracks are left sounding samey and at points do lack the punch and power that at times ‘Lights Out’ is begging for. However, it makes up for this in its warmth and delicate texture that leave the emphatic melodies room to shine. This is a true lo-fi release and sounds like nothing more than two friends in a bedroom on a lazy spring afternoon, something that in fact makes ‘Lights Out’ the success that it is.

4/5 Stars

Check out the video for ‘Chair’ taken from ‘Lights Out’ by Big Deal:

By Connor O’Brien
Twitter: @connor_o’brien