Those not familiar with California's Bigelf are really missing out on something special. This EP features a few cuts from the bands latest studio CD Money Machine, plus some tracks recorded live in Sweden from late 2000. The lucky Swedish audiences get to check out this band live quite often, as Big Elf has seemed to really click with the fans in that part of the world. Hopefully the United States will follow this trend as well so we can all witness what must be a spectacular live show, as evidenced by this CD.
No other band going today (except for perhaps the London Underground) combines such unique styles and influences such as the Beatles, Black Sabbath, Atomic Rooster, the Move, and Deep Purple, to create a truly original sound. Featuring crunchy guitars, walls of Hammond Organ, Moog synthesizer, Mellotron, pounding bass and drums, and great hooks, this band oozes great retro sounds and locks the listener in and throws away the key. Included here are rousing renditions of "Money Machine", "Sellout", the evil "Neuropsychopathic Eye", and a bruising rendition of the Black Sabbath anthem "Sweet Leaf", all in front of an adoring crowd.
This EP is a great and inexpensive was to get your first introduction to the band, and something to hold us all over until the next studio release. Highly recommended.