Album Review: Be Specific by The Big Forgive
If you’re into punk rock with raw energy and a DIY ethos, Be Specific by The Big Forgive is worth your time. Released in 2014 on Charmstrong Records, this US-based band delivers an unapologetic punch that feels like a gritty love letter to the genre. The album was recorded and mixed by Jonah Strauss, whose hands-on approach gives it a live, almost chaotic vibe—like you're sitting in the room with the band.
The tracklist has some real gems, but two songs stand out for me. First up, “White Mercedes.” This one grabs you right away with its driving bassline and shout-along chorus. It’s catchy without being too polished, which is exactly what makes it stick. There’s something about the way the vocals crack just slightly—it sounds human, not manufactured. You can tell they weren’t trying to overthink it, and honestly? That’s refreshing.
Then there’s “What’s Happening to Me?”—a tune so good (or maybe so messed up) that they slapped it on the album twice. Whether that was intentional or just punk rock defiance, who knows? But damn if it doesn’t work. The lyrics are relatable in that "I'm losing my mind but let's dance anyway" kind of way. Plus, the guitar riffs hit hard enough to make you forget whatever existential crisis you walked into the song with.
One thing I noticed is how the album plays around with repetition—not in a boring way, but more like a theme you keep coming back to. Tracks like “Enumerated List of Probable Difficulties” show off their knack for blending clever wordplay with sharp hooks. And yeah, okay, naming two tracks almost the same might seem lazy at first glance, but once you dive in, it feels deliberate. Like they’re poking fun at themselves while still delivering solid music.
At just under 30 minutes, Be Specific doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s short, loud, and leaves you wanting another spin. Punk albums like this remind me why I fell in love with rock music in the first place—it’s messy, honest, and doesn’t care much about rules.
Reflection time: Listening to this record feels like finding a mixtape from someone who gets it. Someone who knows life’s confusing and sometimes all you can do is scream into the void. Or, ya know, crank up the volume. Funny how music can feel both nostalgic and brand new at the same time. Oh, and props to whoever decided to double down on those repeated tracks—it’s either genius or total chaos. Either way, I’m here for it.
