BIG GIGANTIC AT THE JUPITER

BIG GIGANTIC AT THE JUPITER

By Trey Brooks

When it comes to electronic music, the Jupiter has led the way in Tuscaloosa for bringing in the best artists to the area.  Their spring schedule shows that they are still committed to that idea.  One of their biggest shows of the season will be on February 28th, when Big Gigantic will grace the famed Tuscaloosa bar’s stage.  It is a show that promises to be one of the most anticipated at the venue this semester.

Some of you might be wondering who Big Gigantic is.  On the electronic and festivals scenes, they are one of the most active and popular touring acts.  The duo consists of producer/saxophonist Dominic Lalli and drummer Jeremy Salken.  Formed in 2008 in Boulder, CO, they released their first album a year later, and their recent album Nocturnal is available for download.  Their sound goes back and forth between hip-hop and dub-step bass driven beats and the more jazz-influenced house style.  The addition of a saxophone gives BG a unique approach and sound that escapes most other electronic artists today.

Apart from their sound, Big Gigantic offer one of the best live shows in the scene.  The stage presence of Lalli and Salken is hypnotizing.   They are some of the most energetic shows out there.  The light show they bring also adds a lot to the concert experience.  In an intimate setting like the Jupiter, the lights will be one of the most memorable aspects of the live show.

As of now, Big Gigantic is the only electronic act of any major note on the Jupiter’s current schedule for the spring, though that will definitely change as shows are announced.  Most of the Jupiter’s line up for this semester includes outlaw country acts.  On February 20th, Randy Rogers, Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen and Stoney LaRue will all take the stage in what should be one of the more talked about shows in Tuscaloosa for the month.  Then on March 14th, Jason Isbell will be at the Tuscaloosa venue.  Isbell was once a member of the popular southern rock group Drive-By Truckers, but since his exit from that band he has been a rising star in the underground country scene.  Another show of note occurs January 31st, when Backroad Anthem plays at the Jupiter.

The Jupiter will also continue to bring in local electronic artists like DJ Houndstooth and others.  Other major artists will undoubtedly be added.  Last semester, they brought in groups like Zoogma, Datsik and GRiZ.  We will see who else joins the line up, but for now we should look forward to a great spring filled with great shows in Tuscaloosa.