It only takes five ultra-witty, musically whimsical songs on The Big Cheese Band’s latest EP Everything to get sucked in big time to the exuberant fun, gritty and freewheeling modern-folk and bluegrass whirlwind and understand why this fired up four piece band from Falls Church VA has been described by local DC press as “Cripple Creek meets Lady Gaga.”
Their stellar musicianship provides the charm and fire behind what an only be described as classic satirical storytelling. Those new to these Big Cheesers may become envious of the locals who’ve been immersing for years in the kind of humor, joy and occasional pathos the quartet brings to this five song romp covering everything from the crazy realm of and cautious hope inspired by online dating (“Everything,” featuring one of Larry’s more heartfelt vocals) to colorfully lamenting baldness (“I Grew It While I Could” and the white line fever pick me up of “Redneck Capuccino,” aka Mountain Dew.
Lea Mae struts her powerhouse vocal stuff on the foot-stomping “Bobby,” a love/hate tune where a guy’s beard, boots and use of redneck slang are too much to overcome, and the creepy, clawhammer banjo and harmonica driven (and perfect for Halloween!) “Whompus Cat,” a mythical creature in American folklore.
As much fun as these songs are, and as many times they’ll inspire repeated listening, the best way to experience them is via the clever lyric videos created for The Big Cheese Band by renowned South African video producer Mariska Roothman. The illustrative images – particularly effective on the romantic “Everything” and the hilarious “Redneck Capuccino,” which practically doubles as a Mountain Dew commercial – really bring these classics in the making to life.