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 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
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