Big Blue Spruce

“As Hell,” may be my favorite on the album because it reminds me of “Cigarettes, Wedding Bands” by Band of Horses. The nearly 7-minute song is also the best example of their “rootsy-folk harmonies” and “jam band instrumentation.” - theswollenfox.com

"Don’t let this indie folk rock fool you. You’re not going to bang your head ‘til your eyes bleed, but you will rock your body. It’s like eating really delicious health food. You’ll leave satisfied, but still have your self-respect." November 08, 2010 - bitsandwatts.com

“Philadelphia’s Big Blue Spruce combines rootsy-folk inspired harmonies and jam band instrumentation with a southern rock aesthetic.” It can’t really be explained much better in a single sentence. That quote is straight from the band’s bio section on their website, and hits the nail on the head better than I can… but I’ll try to add to it, just in case you’re bored.

The debut album isn’t exactly long, like its title may suggest, coming in with only 8 songs at just over 35 minutes, but these days that’s not all that short. The album begins with “All Away,” which instantly gives you a pretty good idea of those harmonies and jam band instrumentation you’ll hear throughout the album. “When It Dies” follows and throws in some of that “southern rock aesthetic” their bio talks about.

My favorite portion of the album comes from the last 2 songs, starting with “Only Break.” The song is a bit out of the band’s character, as it is a quieter acoustic piece, but has some very strong lead vocals and harmonizing. The following song, “As Hell,” may be my favorite on the album mainly because part of it reminds me of “Cigaretts, Wedding Bands” by Band of Horses. The nearly 7-minute song is also the best example of their “rootsy-folk harmonies” and “jam band instrumentation.”

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Short Story Long, the band’s debut LP, was produced by David Park (Kurt Vile, Divine Loraine) and will be officially released by Toil Records this Friday, January 21st. Big Blue Spruce will celebrate with an album release show at the Hard Rock Cafe on Market Street. The cover is $5 and the show starts at 10 P.M. and will also include a headlining set by Jersey’s Desoto Jones. All the info can be found here.

Every day this week BBS will be giving away a free download of a song from Short Story Long. Yesterday’s download was “The Hands.” Right now you can grab “Karma” at their website.

They will also headline the Toil Records Showcase @ The Grape Room on February 20th. Cover price is to be announced, show starts at 7 P.M. 21 and over only. Details here. - theswollenfox.com

"If I had to pick one criticism of the band, it would be the fact that they aren’t playing closer to me tonight so I could go see them." - Jim Munster - PA Music Scene.com

"The best aspect of BBS is their vocal layering and harmonies. If you didn’t tell me I was listening to a local group, I would have bet dollars to donuts that this was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. It is uncanny how much some of the vocals come off so tight and polished." - Jim Munster - PA Music Scene.com

- Rod Ames, ReviewYou (Nov 22, 2009)
- Rod Ames - ReviewYou

- Rod Ames, ReviewYou (Nov 22, 2009) - Rod Ames - Review You

- Marguerite Kranick, Bits & Watts (Mar 10, 2010) - bitsandwatts.com

- Marguerite Kranick, Bits & Watts (Mar 10, 2010) - bitsandwatts.com

- Rod Ames, ReviewYou (Nov 22, 2009) - Rod Ames - Review You

- Ben Dickinson, Bits & Watts (Mar 10, 2010) - bitsandwatts.com