LIVE REVIEW: Big Special @ New Century Hall, Manchester

After dropping their sophomore album 'NATIONAL AVERAGE' last summer, completely by surprise, Black Country duo BIG SPECIAL immediately cemented their place as one of the most exciting new Rock acts in the country. Their blend of cynical social commentary and angsty Punk attitude blended with moments of more thoughtful, vocal reflections has hints of Yard Act and Sleaford Mods while also embodying a definitively unique spirit all of their own.

Photo credit: Isaac Watson @Whammoth

The album landed in our Top 10 albums of 2025 and ever since then we've been dying to see it in the flesh... a rainy Friday night in Manchester offered us just that chance.

Sometimes its hard to imagine artists who have come from humble, grassroots backgrounds on the biggest of stages, yet as soon as the pair walked out in front of a huge cinematic curtain with the glittering letters 'BS' behind them we knew that they were ready to own it. The sounds that proceeded that just confirmed it. They smashed through powering anthems that got the crowd bouncing in an instant.

The early double barrel of 'GOD SAVE THE PONY' and 'DESPERATE BREAKFAST' was a particularly highlight in the set. These tracks perfectly combine their visceral, angsty outbursts with singalong chorus' filled with passion.

Their more soulful side then came out with a mesmerizing rendition of 'THIS HERE AIN'T WATER' which showcases the raw talents of vocalist Joe Hicklin. 'BLACK DOG/WHITE HORSE' also highlighted just how pure and poignant his voice can be, hinting at his Folk roots with a beautifully vivid and heartfelt performance. This emotion then reached a new high with 'DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)'. After such a raucous start to the set with the audience singing every word, this song made the room fall silent in awe, with everyone appreciating the poignant delivery that was dedicated to a beloved friend of the band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD3L34H0ebu_k&v=3L34H0ebu_k

All throughout the night drummer Callum Moloney kept the energy of the room alive, not just with his infectious, performative drum style, but also with a constant stream of Black Country banter. Jokingly saying how 'DRAGGED UP A HILL' had ruined the mood, bringing out their manager to play the pantomime villain or sarcastically saying how they were right-wing capitalists just as they jumped into the next track 'SHOP MUSIC', a highlight of their new album.

As they slid into their self-described "fake encore", the energy reached a fever pitch with the band in the middle of the crowd slamming the crash cymbal in the finale of 'TREES' before ending with the powerful Punk poetry of 'BIRDS' and the uplifting lasting euphoria of 'DIG!'. It was an aptly eclectic and meaningful end to a night that showed all sides to the band; their light and their shade, their subtly and their power, their angst and their soul. Already one of our favourite shows of the year!