Although technically an Australian group, Big Pig began in London around 1985. Lead singer Sherine had a dark alto that complemented the often depressing tone of the bands’ songs.
But vocals weren’t the half of Big Pig – The instrumentation was keyboards, harmonica and drums – LOTS of drums (played by three out of seven members).
The trundling, tribal rhythms gave the songs the effect of steamrollers extinguishing their protagonists’ burned-out lives.
From the cruel metaphor of the opening Iron Lung to the weary conclusion of Devil’s Song, Bonk was one angry album.
Sparse musical textures, including group chants and that anomalous bluesy harmonica, helped make Bonk compelling listening.
