THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Big Hand — in reference to the constant movement of time on a clock — can generate anxiety, excitement, hope or hopelessness. In a more literal sense, a big hand can pack a punch, swell, break and recover.
The St. Louis hardcore-punk band Squint pack their debut album Big Hand with decades of influences from the worlds of punk, hardcore, alternative and art-rock. With the collaboration of producer Jon Markson (Samiam, Drain, The Story So Far) and after mucho touring, Squint have developed their sound and presence to their fullest potential.
A track like Sunshine demonstrates Squint’s core identity — fuzzy hardcore with a catchy melody inspired by ’80s bands like Rites of Spring, Hüsker Dü and Black Flag. But Squint also dive into the well of ’90s alt-rock with songs like Magic and Half Asleep, which pull in cues from bands like Pixies, Third Eye Blind and Everclear. On top of ringing guitar melodies, Squint craft huge choruses while still staying true to their core.
Lyrically, vocalist Brennen Wilkinson exhibits his frustrations with time and growth, facings down the obstacles that keep us all stuck in the same routines — a constant push and pull of progression and regression. Wilkinson’s distinctive voice is shouted on each song, expressing both angst and hope. In the closing title track, Squint build from a slow tempo to a fast hook, and lyrics shift from a sense of emptiness to an aspiration to take back control of time — aka the big hand.”
