This is episode 13 of the new “rex Festive 15 series”. The plot is to identify for you 15 newish outfits that have my serious attention and interest.

The order of selection will be random. I am not ranking these artists other than as a select group.

The previous entries have been:

1. Bdrmn
2. Just Mustard
3. Squid
4. Black Country New Road
5. Fontaines D.C.
6. White Flowers
7. Porridge Radio*
8. IST IST
9. Pip Blom
10. W. D. Lung
11. Yard Act
12. bar italia

TODAY: Big Special

FROM: Birmingham

SINCE: 2022

LPs: Postindustrial Hometown Blues (2024)

National Average (2025)

R.I.Y.L.- The Fall, Fontaines D.C., Arab Strap, Kae Tempest, For Those I Love, Viagra Boys, Sleaford Mods.

THE BIG SPECIAL certainly are.

They just released their 2nd LP “National Average” on July 4, 2025. It is a mind- bending amalgam of beats, percussion, noises and spoken-word (mostly) vocals that contain some of the best poetry these ears have heard in a long, long time.

Here is how the duo describe the Big Special-

I was introduced to this outfit by Group Member Stu. He is the sound guy for many bands including RIDE, Slowdive and Iron Maiden. He told me these guys are going to be “massive.” Two LPs in, it is possible he understated their future.

For today’s song I have gone with the lead single “God Save The Pony” for its cheeky video.

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/3QrvKxTmQWIpI9cGE3HakK?si=LpUgIOcNS9iOHywy0Diu0Q

(SONG 1145)

BONUS

I love this LP so much I can’t stop at 1 song.

Here is “The Beast.” It contains a year’s worth of clever lyrics and finishes with this amazing refrain –

“The more you know you don’t know, the more you know.”

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/3MVZ2SD2BkxSAMJmNGulGK?si=m9x78j0RTJmmb7tgR6zAnA

(SONG 1146)

And finally the closing tune is “Thin Horses.”

Amazingly, SLOWDIVE vocalist RACHEL GOSWELL makes this a duet of sorts and brings transforms the 11 chaotic jams before it into an almost pastoral calm. Unexpected and remarkable.

SPOTIFY- https://open.spotify.com/track/0SsfKknPb9aAsvq3FxBQRa?si=OQlx2hq1RVq_fVHnaYwIMQ

(SONG 1147)

[Ed. Note #1- This LP will be key orphan search on this trip for rex.]

[* Ed. Note #2- Totally depressing. Porridge Radio packed it in this year after 4 brilliant LPs and a mountain of great singles and EPs. Here’s hoping Dana Margolin (in particular) starts a new outfit to go along with her incredible art.

Play Loud Or Perish

July 10, 2025