Big Drama presents listeners with something reasonably fresh, particularly in terms of the introduction to the track ‘For Mama’. The all at once manic and calm ambiance set by the piano parts opening up the track draw you in with this sense of intrigue and unusualness. Then the heat of the track shows itself, the leading vocal performance, the thickness of classic hip-hop steps in alongside the haunting, jazz-inspired or even classical doused backdrop.
The artist’s leading vocal performance has a particular tone to it that presents this easy going sort of confidence in a fairly accessible yet compelling manner. This effortless swagger, as it were, works brilliantly in among the mood set by the musicality. Listeners are likely to find themselves listening intently, and even if the lyrics don’t fully settle in the first time around, the overall vibe and emotion of the piece is made clear throughout, and it passes on to you as you experience it.
The same kind of mood continues throughout Big Drama’s second track ‘Trenches’. There’s a freshness already, but there’s also an instant familiarity. The artist has a sound that works and that is true to his own artistry, and this is more than worth running with. The beat in both cases has a mellow kind of intensity to it. The lyrics have that easy going sound for those times when you just need the music to play away your troubles, but simultaneously, they have this depth and realness should you choose to really listen, and that adds a whole other level to the songwriting. There’s a slightly retro feel to the music on occasion, but none of the content seems imitated or overly familiar. It’s a strong approach, and the gritty essence of it all holds great appeal.
By Rebecca Cullen
Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing.
