EP – Frontier Living
Where – Legends, Edinburgh
When – 19th July 25
Support Bands – Nothing Speaks, Bambitos
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
Big Iron have built a solid reputation for bringing the fun, whether it’s through their lively music videos, stage presence, or social media full of cheeky banter and wee clips that keep their ‘Big Iron Groupies’ well entertained.
Though they only formed a couple of years ago, they hit the ground running with a string of singles and even dropped their debut EP within their first four months together. Their follow-up, Frontier Living, was made possible thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, proof of just how much support they’ve already rallied.
Released just a few days ago on 18th July, tonight’s gig at Legends in Edinburgh is a proper celebration of that release. It’s a chance for fans and backers to finally hear the new tracks brought to life on stage. But before Big Iron take to the spotlight, two support bands are ready to get the party started.
The night kicked off in style with Bambitos, a four-piece band who wasted no time getting stuck in. The room was already packed, and they launched straight into a set that showed their influences right from the start, think Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine. They pulled the crowd’s focus right onto the stage and set the tone for what was going to be a brilliant night of live music.
This was my first time hearing India, Joseph, Hari and Callum and I was genuinely impressed. They went down a storm, finishing their set with a belting cover of Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine that really hit the mark.
If you’re into your funk rock, check out their EP Clubcard Studios Presents, released back in April. Even better, catch them live at King Tut’s in Glasgow on 29th August when they open for Heavy Weather as part of the Summer Nights Festival.
https://www.instagram.com/bambitosband
Next up were Nothing Speaks, bringing a grungier edge to the night and keeping the energy right where it needed to be. With a string of singles and an EP already under their belt, they treated us to a solid set including Wasting Away, No 2, One More Day, and my personal highlight, Secrets, the title track from last year’s EP. It’s a proper head-banger and a foot-tapper rolled into one. It’s heavy, raw, and perfect for the mood of the night.
The riffs came thick and fast, and the crowd were all in, with everyone cheering, and soaking it all up. Spirits were high, the drinks were flowing, including the Buckfast and there wasn’t a single thing to complain about. I was excited to hear that Evan, Blair, Joe, and Zak have secured a slot at Bloodstock Festival, running from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th August. If you’re heading that way, make sure you catch them.
https://www.facebook.com/Nothingspeaksuk
With everyone feeling merry and in the party mood, Big Iron took to the stage to launch their brilliant new EP Frontier Living. Dressed to impress in a selection of highly questionable jumpers, despite the heat in a sweaty packed room, they delivered a 13-song set full of energy, charm, and everything that makes them such a joy to watch.
Big Iron are –
Oliver Wardell – Vocals
Jack Sandilands – Guitar
Kieran Johnston – Guitar
Arran Gregory – Bass
James Chapman – Drums
Picture the scene. There were inflatable mirror balls and the like flying back and forth through the air, the music was blasting out and Oliver was prancing across the stage with his trademark flair, giving it everything, while Jack, Arran, and Kieran threw shapes like rockstars. Behind them, James channelled pure Muppet mayhem with a wild-eyed Animal-style drum assault that had the crowd grinning from ear to ear.
They mixed their brand new tracks with earlier singles and songs from their first EP, It Gets Bigger, showing us all how far they have come. They’ve properly grown into their sound, and looking around the room, all I could see were faces smiling and people thoroughly enjoying themselves, which created such a great atmosphere.
Set List
Tiny Little Pieces
Dead Reckoning
Look to the Sky
Bellbottoms
River Runs Dry
The Mask
Miles Away
Carl Carlson
Frontier Living
Daiquiri
Prussian Black
Denizens
Gay Bar
I’m not going to say what my favourite songs are…… ok, you’ve twisted my arm, from their older stuff, I’ve got a soft spot for Daiquiri and The Mask. But the new EP? It’s a level up across the board. Dead Reckoning, Carl Carlson, the title track Frontier Living and Bellbottoms all hit the spot. That said, it’s Prussian Black that’s my favourite by a teeny-weeny margin. The riffs are standout, the rhythm section drives hard, and Oliver’s vocals, especially the line “can you keep a little secret,” absolutely nail it for me. I don’t think I can keep this one a secret though. This EP is hands down the best thing Big Iron have produced, the standard of musicianship is first class, and I genuinely hope festival promotors are paying attention. Big Iron are bringing something fresh, exciting, and totally their own, and I say, hand on heart that they are worthy of any festival stage.
But like all good things, all too soon the launch party was drawing to a close, and just to put the cherry on top they finished with a riotous cover of Gay Bar, rounding off a launch party that absolutely delivered.
You don’t need to miss out on catching the lads as they promote their EP, there are a few gigs lined up, so get yourself along to one, give them a follow on their socials, and show your support. Whether it’s your first time seeing them or you’re already one of the Big Iron Groupies, you’re in for a good night and some cracking tunes.
Dates for the Diary
22nd August MacArts, Galashiels (headliner)
19th Sept Think Tank, Newcastle (support for Riding the Low)
20th Sept Cathouse, Glasgow (support for Riding the Low)
Check out the band’s socials for more details
https://www.facebook.com/bigironisbig
https://www.instagram.com/bigironisbig
Videos
Bellbottoms
Daiquiri
Tiny Little Pieces
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