Indie rock project The Big Easy has featured changing lineup of musicians revolving around Stephen Berthomieux since it started in northern New Jersey and later relocating to Brooklyn, New York. Despite the diversity in the modern rock scene, Stephen’s journey was marked by a sense of being an outsider. As a teen playing in Jersey rec centres, cafés and later exploring venues in New York City, he often found himself as the only black person in the room, leading to feelings of alienation and a wider awakening about his place in the world.
With The Big Easy, he first revealed the project in 2016 with the debut EP titled I’m so Gone, I Ain’t Got No Hope. Returning in 2020, he dropped a string of singles in the build up to the debut full-length record titled A Long year, released via the Forged Artifacts imprint.
Following another hiatus from sharing music, more recently Stephen Berthomieux has signed to Trash Casual and begun putting together the material that will form the upcoming sophomore album, It’s No Secret, set to drop in August. Featuring ten new songs, the new album will once again continue the partnership between The Big Easy and producer Erik Case Romero who’s previously worked with the likes of The Gaslight Anthem and The Bouncing Souls.
Signalling their return and marking the first release of the Trash Casual label, The Big Easy dropped the lead single “A Kind Of Dream” in March. Now they’re back with their latest release, sharing the new single lifted from the forthcoming LP with the brand new track titled “Explanations Vs Reality.”
Started off with Stephen rich vocals riding the twang of clean guitar chords, the song bursts to life with the strike of punching drums as the driving guitars and pulsing bass lines underpin the bright melodies of the vocals. Peppered with intricate lead guitar flutters, the song captures an anthemic sound of indie punk style cut with memorable pop-focused writing filtered through a constantly shifting structure.
In a stunning display of Stephen Berthomieux’s innovative songwriting and creativity, the song unique construction means no section repeats throughout the composition. Even int he absence of repetition and familiarity however, “Explanations Vs Reality” manages to serve up a catchy sound with hooks that will stick with you long after hearing the track. It’s a stellar indie rock jam that showcases The Big Easy’s entirely original sound and sheer performance flair while continuing to build the excitement for the project’s highly anticipated sophomore record.
Listen to Explanations Vs Reality below
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