by Kris Handel
On their first full length album, Big Girl vs God, Big Girl front-person Kaitlin Pelkey delivers wonderful insight into their self and a sense of wonderment that shines even through the most haunting moments of self doubt and regret. Her cohorts in Big Girl bring a massive sense of pomp in the best way possible as these songs' arrangements are full of life and moments of unbridled explosion. The band are unafraid to meld glam aesthetic and theatrics with a bit more introspection and care while never forgoing moments of exuberance when the times call for it. Pelkey's vocals are in your face and unafraid to ride the line between seductive and unguarded in a unique way while the band show themselves adept to create energy that is beyond captivating.
A couple of the centerpieces of the record come in the form of "Big Car Full of Mistakes" and "Instructions 2 Say Sorry". The former begins with a loungy sparkle as Pelkey's vocals soar to higher ranges before a riff full of hammer-ons cycles around pulsing drums. She is at her most revealing on a track like this, recounting moments of learning and growth by working through difficulties as the song careens down various avenues of exploration and intrigue. The latter is full of snotty punk with dueling guitars as Pelkey’s vocals alternate between a sneer (echoed as well in the backing vocals) and a disarming sweetness that does wonders to bring the track into various levels of immersive chaos. "Forever" is a bit of classic pop sentimentality pushed forward by slide guitar and vocals that call back to earlier girl groups before erupting almost operatically as the loud/soft dynamics do some tremendous setting up of a spooky and shifting soundscape.
This record is unafraid to be vulnerable as well as possessing a bravery and resilience that radiates throughout. Pelkey and company come through troubles empowered and ready to tackle the next obstacle in their path. Her voice is exceptionally powerful throughout and she shows off her range and emotional expressiveness to beautiful ends that will make you feel like you are riding life's rollercoaster right alongside her. Big Girl do not stay in one place musically or lyrically and are always willing to put their ambitions to the fore or melt your heart with open hearted confessions. The band announce themselves loudly with this record, a force to be reckoned with as well as being unafraid to show themselves with a loud pride and the ability to turn moments of ugliness into a celebration.