454 Big Block

by Joe Hacking

For the non-gearheads out there, the 454 big block is a legendary, big-bore, high performance truck and passenger car motor produced by Chevrolet since the early 1970’s. The 454 invokes awe and respect among car enthusiasts. Five Boston musicians have taken this name as their own in the hopes of evoking the same awe and respect among music enthusiasts. With their four track, self-titled release, 454 Big Block succeeds.

With members from such notable underground bands as Wrecking Crew, Slaughter Shack, Eye for and Eye, and Mother of God, 454 Big Block possess the same big-bore, torquey attitude as their cast iron namesake. The tracks drip with sludgy, bass-heavy guitars and gobs of distortion, courtesy of guitarists Dinunzio and Batulonis. Vocalist Cullen moans, exhales, and growls out his despondent lyrics, while bassist Queenan throbs along inbetween the guitars and Hrabeck’s minimalistic but beefy drums.

The combined effect sounds like a mix of the Melvins, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Kiss, with enough of the Boston sound mixed to make it their own. Seattle sound meets Boston rock.

The tape captures their raw, live sound which they recently exhibited at Local 186 opening up for Slapshot and a slew of other local acts. Undoubtedly, a CD will be forthcoming, but until then, catch their live act at a club or bar near you before they take to the road.