Big Reference are a three-piece from Bexhill. Alt-folk royalty Hannah Lou (lead vocals & electric guitar) and Trevor Moss (bass) are joined by Elliot Lampitt on drums as they step away from their archetypal sound.
Image & artwork courtesy of the band.
Let’s see what their new direction has brought so far:
All The Way
We’re so accustomed to hearing Lou and Moss harmonising to autumnal acoustic guitars that the throbbing grunge bass causes a double take. It evokes the slacker indie-rock of the cult movie classic ‘1234’ as the channel Aberdeen (Sarah’s Records) Aberdeen and Pavement.
Lou’s vocals are blessed with a wryness that allows this tale of relationship bitterness to shine.
Another Piece of My Heart
Following a similar lyrical path, they explore long-term heartbreak to the sound of Sebadoh’s punk-jangle.
Moss and Lou’s dual vocals have a sense of youthful abandon, bringing the early Belle & Sebastien record into play. It allows the protagonist’s regret (“stranger to love and all the way back again”) to put on a brave face despite everything.