The EDM duo Big Gigantic, made up of Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken, has been quieter than usual over the last few years.
They’ve still performed, most notably at their annual Rowdytown concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, which has arguably become a true Colorado tradition. Known for its immersive visuals, loyal following and, aptly, its rowdiness, the event continues to live up to its name. This Saturday, September 27th, Rowdytown returns to Red Rocks for the 13th time.
Big Gigantic is renowned for blending soul-inspired live instrumentation with electronic production. Much of their sound centers on Lalli’s classically trained saxophone skills, which brings an unparalleled funk to otherwise digitalized beats. Salken, a lifelong drummer, grounds those uplifting melodies with steady, driven percussion.
Together, the two have built a distinctive soundscape where festival-ready beats collide with textures you’d expect from a live jazz band. No genre is safe and their first full-length album in over three years, FLUORESCENCE, feels like the culmination of nostalgia dripping with a modern musical ethos.
FLUORESCENCE features standout tracks with artists Daily Bread, Ganga White Night, Lady Blackbird and more. While Big Gigantic’s sound is ever-present, each track opens the doorway to previously untouched realms.
For example, “Woohaa,” featuring Little Stranger and Heyz, leans into a reggae-funk with syncopated rhythms that swing melodically back and forth. Heyz’ influence on the track brings an intense bass, turning the drop into a high-energy, intoxicating burst. The lyrics radiate confidence, especially with the line “Beam me up, Scotty,” floating over shimmering echoes. It’s Big Gigantic through and through, just heavier than ever before.
In contrast, “Free Spirits,” featuring ALIGN, radiates warmth with soulful rhythms layered over glitchy electronic textures and a booming bass. It feels like Big Gigantic elevated with Lalli’s horn elements roaring at the forefront. If “Woohaa,” was built for headbanging, “Free Spirits,” delivers a euphoric release, perfect for letting go.
Big Gigantic will be hitting the road this year on their FLUORESCENCE tour, with a homecoming on Saturday, September 27th at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, for their 13th annual Rowdytown concert. True to form, the duo nods to their Colorado roots with a rodeo theme, inviting fans to dress the part. Perhaps cowboy boots paired with a sparkly, teeny-tiny sequined top would do the trick.
The duo also has plans to bring out artists Maddy O’Neal, along with Lady Blackbird, Gramatik, Cherub, DENM, Jennifer Hartswick and ProbCause. But this writer wouldn’t put it past Big Gigantic to pull a fast one on fans. They’re just as known for their audience engagement as they are for surprises, after all.
Even though FLUORESCENCE marks Big G’s newest chapter, with the namesake tour and Rowdytown 13 sure to follow suit, Big Gigantic in all it’s iterations will live in the hearts of their fans forever. Rowdytown 13 is poised to be a celebration of everywhere the group has been and the long, bright future they have ahead.
Stream FLOURESCENCE here!