Barreling out of Somewhere’sville, U.S.A comes Big Sexy, a unique collaborative group of artists who together pack a punch. Their recent release River of Shame is an 8-track album created in partnership with Outside Records out of Kiev, Ukraine who have been working with artists who shared their interest in supporting Ukrainian musicians and using music to ease the challenges brought on by the weight of the ongoing war and conflict Ukraine has been facing since the invasion of the Russians under the Putin regime. I’m almost apprehensive to sit too heavily on those details however because the record in and of itself is ultimately a genuinely endearing and soulful collection of great songwriting, but it certainly does go to show what beauty can come from destructive circumstances.

Depicting stories of yearning for those you love, the destruction of family life thrust up on one by war, government corruption and sheer lack of religion and faith in trying times, lyrically River of Shame bears a heavy load. While at time this vulnerability is shared equally within the production and composition of the songs, at other times it is met by a charming opposition that is as uplifting as it is engaging. 

The record begins with dark heavy guitars clunking into the audio spectrum with deep bass accompanying it as 70’s-classic rock inspired Hendrix guitar licks weave into the mix, challenging the steady chugging of the drums acting as the glue to hold the piece together. Carrying the spirit of mid-90’s alternative rock, this polished rock n’ roll track sets the tone for the album, chalk full of unexpected surprise riffs that add an element of danger to the otherwise casual character brought by Big Sexy’s lead vocalist as he speaks of needing to get away from where he is.

Things take an introspective and somber turn with New Mexico Nights akin to those felt on late nights with family and friends sharing emotional burdens that are lifted as quickly as the relief felt with letting go of a well-kept secret as we enter the album’s title track, River of Shame. Though a more upbeat and fun country-rock track, lyrically it’s just as you might expect from its namesake. Acting as a guardian guiding a wandering spirit into the first breath of their new life, it beckons that you look inwards to see what errors or missteps you may have made before you can determine the right way to move forward from them; It reminds us that we must face our own actions and choices head on. Vocally and through its production here, Big Sexy enters an adult-pop-contemporary style we’d relate to Canadian songwriter Ron Sexmith’s latest record Vivian Line. 

A similar atmosphere is felt as we enter the midway point on Daddy’s Girl as we continue to sit in an introspective space, calmed by the sounds of running water accompanied by charismatic delighting piano lines and soothing violins.

But again, Big Sexy are quick to remind us that they don’t simply settle into any one sound or style on this record and we should have been wiser than to fall into the subdued rhythm of the previous tracks. With The Admiral’s Daughter come’s a royally large sound, grooving funk bass lines and excitable horns drive us into movement. It is absolutely tantalizing and a quick standout sure to turn heads. 

Swallow the Pain brings with it almost a bluegrass inspired rhythm and blues style as it returns again to the difficult subject of the gravities of war-torn communities and families. Though it’s easy to get lost in such catchy compositions, lyrically is where this record really shines and Swallow the Pain is no exception. 

In Samantha’s Song we see yet another new face of Big Sexy; a highly vulnerable song depicting a man wholly in love and lost in his longing for her that is difficult not to want yourself on the receiving end of such complimentary storytelling. The saxophones really jump out here and as we imagine Big Sexy on a big stage, we do hope they intend to bring with them a complete band to ensure these unique arrangements are brought to life as well in person as they are on record should they ever tour the album. 

The record culminates with The Disposable Man which should by all accounts feel more sobering given it’s angst-driven lyrics, but the band pushes it along in a way that evokes more of a feeling of optimism than grief or anger, allowing us to exit our journey on the River of Shame with an equal temperament, understanding the road we’ve traveled while challenging is not yet over and there are sure to be brighter days ahead. 

While Big Sexy are not yet on social media, you can follow them on Spotify and other streaming platforms. 

• Spotify