Charlie Big Time - Sale or Return EP
by Dixie Ernill
published: 8 / 4 / 2014
Label:
Jigsaw Records
Format: CDS
intro
Splendid indie pop on new EP from thoughtful Bolton-based band, Charlie Big Time
Released on the excellent American based indie label Jigsaw Records, Charlie Big Time’s current EP is also their finest release to date. The hints of Johnny Marr-like guitar lines remain, but the subtlety of the Trash Can Sinatras, in their quieter moments, also appears to be a welcome influence. Lyrically Matt Pendlebury mixes the kitchen sink drama of everyday life with the gritty romance of Northern England to put himself right up there with fellow local wordsmiths such as Liam Frost, John Bramwell (I Am Kloot) and probably most closely Roger Quigley of vastly underrated At Swim Two Birds and the Montgolfier Brothers fame. Opening track, 'A Sunday Afternoon Well Spent', the most musically upbeat on the EP, is a real gem, but the title track is the stunning highlight. A hazy summer’s night of a song that really showcases the harmonies between Matt and Beth Arzy and brings to mind the beautiful interplay of the late Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown in their Go-Betweens heyday. The remaining two tracks are far from throwaway too. Both would have easily graced any Sarah Records band Blueboy release with ease. With an LP due later this year, do not let this band slip from your radar
Track Listing:-
1 A Sunday Afternoon Well Spent2 Sale or Return
3 Pitiful, Delightful and Alarming
4 From the Cradle to the Bar
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlie-Big-Time/155393074480553https://twitter.com/charliebigtime
Label Links:-
http://jigsaw-records.com/https://www.facebook.com/jigsawrecordsshop
https://twitter.com/jigsawrecords
http://jigsawrecords.bandcamp.com/
interviews |
|
Interview (2016) |
|
| John Clarkson speaks to Matthew Pendlebury from Bolton-based indie pop duo about why his band have always proved more popular in America than Britain and their forthcoming appearance at a Pennyblackmusic Bands Night in Manchester on February 18th in support of the Chesterfields and Karen |
soundcloud
reviews |
|
Disshevelled Revellers EP (2012) |
|
| Gorgeous indie pop on debut EP from Bolton-based group Charlie Big Time, who have recently added to their line-up former Trembling Blue Stars vocalist, Beth Arzy |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCarty
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Loft - Interview
Vapors - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Shaw's Trailer Park - I Thought I Saw You
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart