Smart attitude, sharp playing

Chubbed Up By The Bigfellas Self-released: 2008

by Jim Trageser
This review first appeared in the January 8, 2009 issue of the North County Times.

Unlike the vast majority of local bands that are itching for the national stage, Encinitas' The Bigfellas seem to relish being a Southern California band. The opening track on their second disc is titled "California King" and is an affectionate nod to their home state. Then there's the entire smart-guy attitude of the rest of their songs – any band trying to get rich and famous wouldn't be so mocking of everything in life.

But The Bigfellas are in their 30s and 40s, and have long given up serious dreams of hitting it big – they're now focused on making the best music they can. Mixing '70s classic rock sounds with '80s and '90s alternative threads and song titles like "I Wish That I Were Gay" and "Adam & Eve & Ted & Alice" or a rap song about golf ("On the Green"), The Bigfellas are all about a good time – well, a good time backed up with some top-notch musicianship.

And on that score, they more than succeed.