We all loved Big Inner, the solo debut from former Fight The Big Bull head honcho Matthew E. White, when it came out last year. Its combo of folk influences, soul grooves, and gospel transcendence struck a chord with the indie rock massive in RVA and beyond.
We all loved Big Inner, the solo debut from former Fight The Big Bull head honcho Matthew E. White, when it came out last year. Its combo of folk influences, soul grooves, and gospel transcendence struck a chord with the indie rock massive in RVA and beyond. After receiving widespread critical acclaim from various sources, including Consequence Of Sound, Pitchfork, and The Guardian, the album, originally released by RVA label Spacebomb, was picked up for international release by Domino Records. Now, Domino has announced plans to reissue Big Inner in an expanded Outer Face Edition, which will augment the original 7-track running order with a new 5 song EP. White recorded this new material under a set of self-imposed constraints, not allowing himself to use guitar, horns, or piano–three instruments that played a central role on the original Big Inner tracks. We get an advance idea of the difference made by abandoning these instruments on “Hot Hot Hot,” the first of the 5 new songs from the Outer Face Edition to be released. Featuring a string section that drifts in and out of the mix, a heavy rolling bassline that anchors the song, and tons of funky percussion and gospel-style choral vocals, “Hot Hot Hot” is simultaneously very similar to the earlier Big Inner material and noticeably distinct from it. And with its running time reaching nearly eight minutes, it’ll please fans hungry for new Matthew E. White sounds.
The full version will be out October 21 on Domino Records. New fans can preorder the expanded Outer Face Edition of Big Inner by clicking here, while longtime Matthew E. White lovers who just want the new tracks can preorder a standalone vinyl version of the Outer Face EP by clicking here. The full track list for the reissue is below.
Big Inner:
1. One Of These Days
2. Big Love
3. Will You Love Me
4. Gone Away
5. Steady Pace
6. Hot Toddies
7. Brazos
Outer Face:
1. Eyes Like The Rest
2. Signature Move
3. Human Style
4. In The Valley
5. Hot Hot Hot
