The Bigger Picture – Empires (2022)
Some of the best bands of all time go through several line-up changes. Some of the best bands of all time begin with only a few members to gain fame much later with a larger (or smaller) line-up. UK-based The Bigger Picture followed suit but aren’t quite on the same level as Chicago just yet. Technically formed three years ago, The Bigger Picture began with Massimiliano Porcelli, Jordan Brown and Harley Mann. A few months later, Paolo Tognoloni and Alex Thompson joined and voila, we have alternative rock group The Bigger Picture.
Drawing together a plethora of musical influences and experiences, the fivesome built a boundary-breaking sound with a bit of each member in the mix. I mean, a bit of their musical knowledge and inspiration not physical pieces of their bodies – that’s just weird. Despite having only four releases to their name, the lads and lady are turning heads with their energetic compositions. One of the latest additions to their critically acclaimed discography is ‘Empires’.
Following their Kings of Leon meets Biffy Clyro single ‘Bullets Little Thoughts’ (read our review here), ‘Empires’ is a contemporary alt-rock assault on the senses. Definitely harder than previous works, the “in your face” track drags breath from your lungs while filling your soul with powerful sound. The Bigger Picture notes that their choice of instrumentation is significant contributing to a very distinctive sound, and this is certainly evident in ‘Empires’. The strength of the guitar riffs building into infectious choruses and catchy verses showcases the sophistication of a band who know what and who they are, yet obscure versatility continues to show with an evolution of their sound throughout the discography.
Taken off their four-track EP a ghost & a wish, ‘Empires’ is all-encompassing and can easily have you spinning about as you drift through a deep, dark sonic forest. The Bigger Picture is about personal narratives to connect with audiences on a more intimate level, however ‘Empires’ is not only individualistic but conceptual. Touching on the pain of dealing with regret and loss, there is poetic desperation in the poignant lyricism. Yet, the boldness of Alex Thompson’s rich vocals burst through finding the cusp between melancholy, inner turmoil, empowerment and positivity.
“’Empires’ is both a fierce cry for help and a hymn for acceptance and recognising a path to follow in order to achieve a better mindset, to build a place within our heads that truly belongs to us where we can have control and be safe…” – The Bigger Picture on ‘Empires’
For more from The Bigger Picture check out their Facebook and Spotify.
