New/Trending/Popular: "Straight In No Kissin'" by Big Talk

Album art by Kristina Collantes

Big Talk is the brainchild of the Killers' drummer, Ronnie Vannucci. With the release of their first album in 2011, Big Talk unfortunately reached little to no acclaim outside of the Killers' fanbase. Aside from their one TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the band had no major publicity. Big Talk's eponymous rock debut was lost in a sea of pop, including "Party Rock Anthem," "Rolling in the Deep," and "Born This Way." 

Fortunate for us, Big Talk recently came out with a new album, Straight In No Kissin'. Albeit the album name, artwork, and promotion have been fairly comical, (the album art includes each member of Big Talk in drag), the musical content is nothing to joke about. Big Talk's lineup this time around includes talented musicians from other bands, including drummer Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion.

Straight In No Kissin' starts off roaring with "Hold That Line." If this tune doesn't get you pumped for the rest of the album, are you even alive? My only issue with the song is that it makes me want to get up and dance at work, which isn't entirely appropriate. I'll stick to air guitar in the office. "Animal Husband" is slightly reminiscent of Big Talk's debut album, but in a warm and fuzzy, nostalgic sort of way. "What Happened to Delisa" was the first single from the album, and gave a fairly accurate taste of what was to come. I'd like to know what actually happened to Delisa...

"La Rue d'Awakening" might just be the most clever song title I've ever seen. The song is the angsty, punk-infused song on the record. "Cocktail Party" has hints of "There She Goes" by The La's, but enjoyably so. "I've Been Sentimental Lately" is the song you'll be singing into a hairbrush while you're hanging out with friends in your apartment (you're getting insight into my life goals). Or hey, why not scream-sing the song! It has lyrical and instrumental simplicity that soothes the soul, while still giving you those "good tune feels."

Normally, it would be strange to say that minus the roaring guitar tone, "What the Night Can Do" sounds like a missing track from The Killers' Battle Born. Alas, it's not that strange because DING DING DING RONNIE IS IN THE KILLERS! Need a laid-back tune for an easy, breezy Sunday afternoon? Check out "All My Luvin'." "The Void" initially sounds a bit like Muse, but less preachy and then segues into a refreshing rock song. 

"Another Satellite" has a twinge of country guitar, but the fast-paced tempo of a punk song. Maybe even some metal influences here? Have you ever wanted to start a mosh pit in your room and jump on couches and such? This song should encourage you. If "Neon's Not Enough Light," then what does Big Talk expect to be bright enough?! I listen to this song and furiously nod my head along with the drums. It's an odd sight to see, but the song is way to infectious to not join in. I'm head over heels in love with the guitar tone in this song. 

Big Talk recently performed "I've Been Sentimental Lately" on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Below is the video, featuring wigs, heels, dresses, and Big Talk. 

What I love about this album is that I can listen to it without getting tired of either the lyrical or instrumental content. With each listen, I notice something new about each song. Straight In No Kissin' is leaps and bounds above Big Talk's previous release. Big Talk raised the bar from their great first album, and absolutely did not disappoint. 

Rating: 8/10