J. Zimmerman | Nashville Bypass
December 30th, 2023
Recently released on November 20th, Big Dizzy brings us an EP titled The House That Pushes. Fronted by talented multi-instrumentalist Jared Schulberger, Big Dizzy makes a lot of different sounds. It’s easy to hear the grooving, old-school rock influence throughout the album, but peppered in each song are touches of prog, country, jazz, and funk. Each song on this EP is a tapestry woven together by the musicians, integrating violin, saxophone, and even steel guitar into fantastic soundscapes. The House That Pushes is the type of album you want to experience through quality headphones on a rainy day. Each track takes you on a journey. Sometimes the trip is familiar, harkening to the giants of funk and classic rock while others are entirely new, stunning compositions with progressive rock elements that keep your toes tapping.
The album begins with Chained, a grooving and friendly rock number that lands somewhere between ZZ Top and Rush in its musical stylings. The track reminds me of early summer, cruising around with the windows down, and it went right into my travel playlist because of that. Next up is Seven Days, a mysterious number with a more somber sound and an excellent violin solo. The prog elements and instrumentation of this track reminded me of the music Bela Fleck plays live in the subtle interplay of instruments being used in ways you wouldn’t expect. Raftertails comes next. This track was an instant favorite of mine. The way the sumptuous, longing introduction gives way to a pensive and dreamy jazz-influenced atmospheric track made me wish it never ended! The thoughtful guitar brought with it echoes of famous Bossa Nova artists.
Ending the first side of the EP is Magic Street. The song starts off with some Latin influence that quickly gives way to funk stylings. The addition of a horn section gives Tower of Power vibes, making the excellent composition throughout this album shine. The saxophone returns with an outstanding backing organ, giving us a track that sounds old and new all at once. The album’s B-side begins with Duke, a thoughtful track that feels almost like a jam session between the musicians. This theme continues in Feathers, the musicians jamming in a very prog-influenced way that dances from right to left and back again in the headphones. The next track, In Kahoots, is jam-y as well, but with a different influence. This song can only be described as ‘funky,’ the sax returning to command you to dance. The album ends with a slight twist: I’m With You contains the only lyrics on The House That Pushes. This track begins with a grandiose introduction that dives into a driving progression with wailing guitar solos.
Well-composed and easy on the ears, The House That Pushes is an album you should seek out on any major streaming service. Here’s to hoping Big Dizzy puts out more fantastic music in the years to come! Highly Recommended. 4.5*
