Big Ups was an American post-hardcore band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2010.[1] It was founded by lead singer Joe Galarraga, guitarist Amar Lal, bassist Carlos Salguero and drummer Brendan Finn.

Big Ups
OriginBrooklyn, New York, United States
Genres
Years active2010–2019
Labels
  • Dead Labour
  • Tough Love
  • Exploding In Sound
Members
  • Brendan Finn
  • Joe Galarraga
  • Amar Lal
  • Carlos Salguero
Websitebigups.bandcamp.com

History

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Eighteen Hours of Static (2014–2015)

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On January 13, 2014 Big Ups released their debut album Eighteen Hours of Static through Dead Labour and Tough Love Records for North America and the UK/Europe respectively.[2] The album received reviews from mainstream websites such as Pitchfork[3] and Stereogum.[4] Paul Thompson of Pitchfork gave the album a positive review, saying "Throughout Eighteen Hours of Static, arty Brooklyn post-punkers Big Ups' howling debut LP, vocalist Joe Galarraga and company put the world on notice. For 28 minutes, no grievance goes unaired, and no blood's left unlet."[3]

Before a Million Universes (2016–2017)

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On March 4, 2016 Big Ups released their sophomore album Before a Million Universes through Exploding in Sound Records and Tough Love Records for North America and the UK/Europe respectively.[5]

Two Parts Together and hiatus (2018–2019)

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On May 18, 2018 Big Ups released their third album Two Parts Together through Exploding in Sound Records.[6]

In November, 2018 Big Ups announced an indefinite hiatus, stating “Since 2010, the four of us have dedicated ourselves to this project in a way that often neglects other aspects and dimensions of ourselves and our lives,” they wrote in a statement. “It’s time for us to branch out and grow.”[1] They played their final show on January 18, 2019 at New York City's Bowery Ballroom.[7]

Musical style

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The band have primarily been described as post-hardcore,[1][3][8] post-punk[3] and indie rock.[8]

Band members

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  • Brendan Finn – drums[8]
  • Joe Galarraga – lead vocals[8]
  • Amar Lal – guitar[8]
  • Carlos Salguero – bass guitar[8]

Discography

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Studio albums
List of studio albums
Title Album details
Eighteen Hours of Static
  • Released: January 13, 2014
  • Label: Dead Labour / Tough Love
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cass
Before a Million Universes
  • Released: March 4, 2016
  • Label: Exploding In Sound / Tough Love / Brace Yourself
  • Formats: CD, LP
Two Parts Together
  • Released: May 18, 2018
  • Label: Exploding In Sound
  • Formats: LP

Singles

Song Year Album
"Goes Black" 2013 Eighteen Hours of Static
"Justice" 2014
"Rash" / "Not Today" Non-album single
"Capitalized" 2015 Before a Million Universes
"National Parks" 2016
"Hope for Someone"
"PPP"[9] 2018 Two Parts Together
"Fear"[10]
"Imaginary Dog Walker"[11]

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released and directors
Title Year Director(s)
"Goes Black" 2013 TerrorEyes[12]
"Justice" 2014 Stephen Tringali[13]
"National Parks" 2016 Robert Kolodny[14]
"Fear" 2018 Brendan Finn[15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Big Ups Announce Indefinite Hiatus | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  2. ^ "Eighteen Hours of Static, by Big Ups". Big Ups. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  3. ^ a b c d "Big Ups: Eighteen Hours of Static Album Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  4. ^ "Album Of The Week: Big Ups Eighteen Hours Of Static". Stereogum. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  5. ^ "Before A Million Universes, by Big Ups". Big Ups. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  6. ^ "Two Parts Together, by Big Ups". Big Ups. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  7. ^ "Big Ups Final Show @ Bowery Ballroom". www.btrtoday.com. Archived from the original on 2019-01-24.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Indie rockers Big Ups showed us their raucous life on the DIY tour circuit - Interview Magazine". Interview Magazine. 2018-05-09. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  9. ^ "Big Ups return with "PPP"". The FADER. Retrieved 2019-01-06.
  10. ^ explodinginsound, Big Ups - "Fear" (Official Video), retrieved 2019-01-06
  11. ^ explodinginsound, Big Ups - "Imaginary Dog Walker", retrieved 2019-01-06
  12. ^ ToughLoveRecordings (2013-12-04), Big Ups - 'Goes Black' (Official Video), retrieved 2018-12-03
  13. ^ Noisey (2014-08-14), Big Ups - "Justice" (Official Video), retrieved 2018-12-03
  14. ^ ToughLoveRecordings (2016-02-16), Big Ups - 'National Parks' (Official Video), retrieved 2018-12-03
  15. ^ explodinginsound (2018-04-17), Big Ups - "Fear" (Official Video), retrieved 2018-12-03