15/2/2010 Big Num @ The Hope & Anchor

Subject	Big Num @ The Hope & Anchor
PostedDate	2/15/2010
	I arrive at the Hope & Anchor looking forward to a decent pint or two, but like the Water Rats last week both the real ale pumps are out of action.  However, at least they have Newcastle Brown at reasonable prices so it's not so bad. It's a while since I've seen Big Num for various reasons - they haven't been gigging much for some time as they've been busy recording their first album. They have quite a few new songs, but they still retain a strong AC/DC vibe - without being blatent copyists like Airbourne. There's a bit of Thin Lizzy and The Darkness in there too I think, along with a bit of Zep. That's all the correct rock boxes ticked then. It doesn't do any harm that they play really well too. Maybe part of the reason AC/DC are so tight is because they have two brothers in the band - this lot have three! Don't be deceived by their almost 'boy band' appearance - this band can really play and they rock a lot more than you'd expect by looking at them. This band always seem to get a really good sound when they play live too - not many bands seem to be able to do this, but Big Num achieve it consistantly. I think they have realised that the secret is to keep things as simple as possible - good quality guitars plugged straight into good quality amps. There is a noticable lack of any sort of effects pedals on the floor - if you have good gear and play well that's all you need, as long as you have decent songs to play. Some of London's much higher profile sleaze and glam bands could learn a lot from these boys.