The Evil Beatles

After drawing some acclaim for their collaboration with Licorice Pizza guilty pleasure Christina Aguilera, the band Bigelf is ready to break in the U.S.

The four-piece metal cum prog band drew kudos for their backing of Aguilera on her version of John Lennon’s “Mother” for the Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur album. Now, Bigelf is set to release their 2003 album Hex for the first time in the U.S. It is due to hit stores Oct. 30, from Custard Records.

The album charted in the Scandinavian Top 10, and has helped Bigelf (pronounced Big Elf) achieve a cult-like following overseas. Dave Grohl and Chris Robinson both count themselves as fans. They have also attracted the attention of Serj Tankian, System of a Down’s vocalist, who released Bigelf’s second album, Money Machine, through his label, Serjical Strike Records.

Speaking about the American release of Hex, vocalist/keyboardist Damon Fox says, “Whenever I talk about Hex I like to quote the fans. An Elfhead in Brazil once told me, ‘Without bands like Bigelf there will be no future. Rock needs heart, strength and open minds. The masters of the past have shown us the way. It’s easy, we just need to be honest and do the right thing.’ Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself.”

Fox formed Bigelf in the Los Angeles area in 1992. “My goal was to put together a group that would hybrid musical styles from the past. I wanted to bring back Mellotrons, bellbottoms and beards,” he said in an interview.

Bigelf recorded Hex using only vintage-era equipment such as Mellotrons and Hammond organs. The sound is best described as a cross between Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and “The Evil Beatles.” Bigelf delivers music that should appeal to metalheads, classic hard rock fans, and fans of vintage progressive rock.

“People today want real music,” Fox says. “They're almost dying for it. We're prepared to bring it and change people's lives just like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin did 30 years ago.

"I'm serious.”

Madhatter.mp3
Rock & Roll Contract.mp3

And just because you know I love me some Christina...

Mother (John Lennon cover).mp3


Bigelf is not currently on tour, but you can always check their Web site and their MySpace for more information.

Labels: covers, metal, new stuff, rock

posted by aikin @ 1:30 PM