Originally published in Verbicide issue #4

In the wake of Blink 182, an innumerable amount of pop-punk bands have spawned, each sounding incredibly alike. Even if inconsistent, hearing a pop-punk band with hardcore sensibility such as Bigwig is both rare and welcome. There are a couple tracks on this album that I immediately skip over, because giddy pop is not my thing. This is, however, rare. For the most part, this is an album that will kick your Hurley-shirt wearin’ ass.

The second track, “Sink or Swim,” is a rollicking tune with wicked vocal harmonizing, and around the end of the album, with the 11th track, “Appreciation,” the CD reaches it’s climax of rage and machine-gun rapid beats. This is an album that has been quite anticipated, and it’s for a good reason. To hear Bigwig, buy this album, or pick up pretty much any punk compilation released in the last two years. I swear these guys are everywhere.

(Fearless Records, 13772 Goldenwest St. #545, Westminster, CA 92683)