Initially, Big Lionhearted and the Gallant Man seems a presumptuous title for a debut album, implying an epic tale and an album of grandiose proportions. Boddicker, however, delivers with an intriguing blend of raw talent and sophistication.
Boddicker (full name Caleb Boddicker) is a Mississippi native whose musical biography is short , but impressive. He managed to sell 1000 copies of a self-recorded album online when he was 16, trying to save money for college. He put his main focus into school until finally creating Big Lionhearted five years later.
Boddicker begins with “Giant,” an introduction to the Gallant Man character, whose story is told throughout the album.
It is easy to tell that one of Boddicker’s strong influences is Modest Mouse, producing a sound similar to Isaac Brock’s echoing vocals. These vocals, combined with a basic drumbeat and some steady, childlike keyboarding, represent both the Gallant Man and Boddicker himself: young and untried, but full of strength and potential.
The album continues on in a melodic journey, slowly growing harder and more jaded as the Gallant Man gains experience and transforms into the sharp-edged Big Lionhearted.
A high point of the 15 tracks is the controlled chaos of “Pretty Baby, Pt. 1.” The song incorporates electric guitar, percussion and a xylophone with two mere phrases of lyrics that should normally clash when put together, except the merger is performed expertly. It marches where the first few tracks meander and is definitely a standout track on the album despite its repetitive simplicity.
Big Lionhearted draws from other influences besides Modest Mouse, of course. Boddicker also cites bands such as Iron & Wine amongst his inspiration—an influence felt on more laid-back tracks such as “The Greatest Thing.” He also touches on his Southern roots with songs like “Samuel Clemens’ Grandpa” and “Mississippi Beautiful, You Know I Love You.”
Boddicker spins together a unique sound from disparate musical threads that becomes a highly intelligent and compelling tapestry, not only of the Gallant Man’s life but also of various musical styles. Like many things new and different, Big Lionhearted may take listeners a couple times through to fully appreciate, but getting familiar with this new talent is well worth the effort.
