Big Nobody – Charlie’s Alive

Big Nobody is a relatively new name in the Rochester local scene, but don’t be fooled: the members of this fresh garage-pop powerhouse have been purveyors of fine sounds for over a decade now. Featuring members of fan-favorite local acts from both past and present (Total Yuppies, Comfy, Calicoco, Wild Pink), the DIY supergroup’s sophomore album Charlie’s Alive brings the groundwork laid by singer/guitarist Jacob Walsh (on the band’s electrifying debut in early 2023) to new heights. The riffs are louder, the songwriting is still spirited and heartfelt, and best of all–the album invites you in, like you’ve known these guys for years. Big Nobody’s Charlie’s Alive is our Album of the Week.
This is an album for the people. Charlie’s Alive gets the infrastructure just right by enmeshing radio rock hooks that put bands like Everclear and Third Eye Blind on the map with the punk rock inventiveness of Superchunk and the massive sounds of Dinosaur Jr. Honest, accessible lyrics and infectious melodies adorn the songs for a formula that can’t lose. The result is unabashedly loud, radio-ready power pop inspired largely by the 90s.
Bassist JT Fitzgerald introduces the album with the chunky chorus riff of ironically-titled “End,” a song that represents the album well with big crunchy guitars and catchy melodies. They turn up the jangle factor on songs like “Sorrow” and “Run,” the latter of which is clinched by a searing guitar solo from lead guitarist Kyle Waldron that sounds like something straight out of a Meat Puppets song. Two-minute ripper “Telethon” wraps up the album with an ungodly tempo that is handled impressively by Connor Benincasa on drums.
Thematically, the album tackles introspection and the importance of self acceptance. “Sunken” is particularly affecting in it’s lyricism: “There’s something better inside if you take your time” insists Walsh. “You’ll change your mind, it happens all the time.”
Charlie’s Alive is an oversized, warm fuzzy blanket to wrap yourself in. When a band is best friends with each other, the songs reap immense benefits, and it’s clear that this album is the product of such a foundation. The pieces that make the magic happen are earnest and unassuming, but they fit together with laser-like precision. That sort of musical kinship is rarer than it should be, especially within a local scene. It’s comforting to know it still exists.
Charlie’s Alive is now streaming on all major platforms. Digital albums and merch can be found here.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Ronald Walczyk