Artist: Big 10-4
Album: Testing the Atmosphere
Label: Universal
Tracks: 12
Length: 50:34

 

 

 

 

Florida’s Big 10-4 are making their debut with the epic sounds of Testing the Atmosphere. The band plays straightforward radio friendly rock that quickly brings to mind successful bands like Sister Hazel, U2, Third Eye Blind, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Train.

 

The album opens with the desperate sound of “Walking Disaster.” The song is slightly chaotic but as the vocals soar overtop of the music the song manages to ultimately lead itself into a triumphant sound that you can’t help but sing along with. It’s a great way to open the album, wasting no time in pulling you into Big 10-4’s world.

 

The band continues to balance longing and hope on “Irony is Thick.” As the vocals cry out, “I’ve been worried about you being worried about me… and now I’m worried about me. Are you out there? Cause the irony is thick. The things that make me happy are the same things, the things that make me sick.” “Superpowers” is destined to be a huge hit for the band as well with its Remy Zero like tendency to make you want to raise your fist in the air and FEEL the music. Both of these songs are going to have a lot of shelf life at radio and rightfully so.

 

Another highlight is certainly the dynamic “Undertow.” The band takes some chances on this song musically that, on first listen, I really didn’t like.  Upon repeated listens though I found that this was a song that I consistently wanted to hear again, more than likely because it’s not as straightforward as the other songs.

 

Overall this is a tremendously enjoyable album. With summer finally here I’m sure this album will become a favorite summertime album for many rock fans. If you enjoy any of the aforementioned bands, lyrically or musically, than Big 10-4 is right up your alley.