Big Special drops new EP “O’JOY!” today, June 5, 2026 on SO Recordings, along with music video release
BIG SPECIAL has unveiled their latest EP, O’JOY!, today, 5 June 2026, under the banner of SO Recordings, alongside the release of the new video for their song “HOTEL”. Consisting of vocalist Joe Hicklin and drummer Callum Moloney, BIG SPECIAL have been establishing themselves as a prominent force in the UK music scene with their unique ability to infuse themes of working-class struggle, humor, sensitivity, and anger into their music.
This newest release, O’JOY!, presents a collection of ten tracks that the duo describes as the “fallen parts” of their previous two albums, reimagined and brought to life. The EP follows the successful launch of singles like “ONLY FREE WHEN SLEEPING”, “PLAINTIVE NATIVE”, “SLUGLIFE”, and “DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)”, establishing a distinctive sound that sets them apart.
The band reflected on the evolution of their music, stating, “We’ve moved real fast these last few years. Our first album encapsulated decades of experience, aiming to represent who we are and the era we live in. The second album was a spontaneous response to life changes, written in between moments of transition. Our new EP is a patchwork of the songs that didn’t quite fit into the emotional narrative of our previous albums but deserved their own space.”
They also touched on the deeper meaning behind O’JOY!, explaining, “We made this EP as a response to emotional turmoil and discomfort. It might seem somber, but writing songs like these is cathartic, allowing us to express our genuine emotions and reactions to life’s challenges. This EP represents a fresh start for us creatively, a clean slate to embark on new musical journeys and continue to produce honest and authentic work.”
Accompanying the EP release is the animated video for “HOTEL”, a reflective track that delves into themes of exhaustion, isolation, and acceptance. The band shared insights into the origin of the song, revealing, “’HOTEL’ was written several years ago and reflects our experiences on tour. It captures the essence of changing mindsets and the search for solace amid personal struggles. Over time, songs like these take on new meanings for us, highlighting the importance of honesty and vulnerability in our music.”
With O’JOY! now available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, BIG SPECIAL is gearing up for an exciting season of live performances at various festivals and venues. Their upcoming appearances include TRNSMT, Boomtown, Beautiful Days, and Moseley Folk Festival, with more shows on the horizon. Additionally, the duo will be embarking on a North American tour later this year, headlining shows and joining forces with Lambrini Girls as special guests.
As they continue to captivate audiences with their raw and poignant music, BIG SPECIAL remains committed to delivering authentic performances and producing compelling records that resonate with listeners. O’JOY! serves as a testament to their creative evolution and a preview of the exciting musical endeavors yet to come.