Big Special Releases New EP ‘O’JOY!’ on SO Recordings

BIG SPECIAL has recently launched their new EP, ‘O’JOY!’, through SO Recordings, released on June 5, 2026. Their latest offering features a ten-track collection that includes singles such as “ONLY FREE WHEN SLEEPING,” “PLAINTIVE NATIVE,” “SLUGLIFE,” and “DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side).” This EP serves as a culmination of the remnants from their first two albums, reimagined, restructured, and given a fresh perspective by the duo from the Black Country, vocalist Joe Hicklin and drummer Callum Moloney.

Throughout the years, BIG SPECIAL has established themselves as a prominent new band in the UK. Their music taps into the essence of working-class frustration, infused with dark humor, tenderness, and fury, creating songs that resonate on both personal and communal levels. ‘O’JOY!’ continues to showcase their growth and evolution, delving deeper into darker themes, comprising songs that didn’t quite fit within their previous albums’ emotional frameworks but demanded a space of their own.

In reference to their latest work, BIG SPECIAL shared, “Our first album was a reflective process of encapsulating three decades of experience into a body of work that defines us, our current era, and the history that shaped us. The second album was a spontaneous reaction to the changing landscapes of our lives, crafted amidst moments of significant transition. This new record assembles the fragmented elements from our initial two albums, reinterpreting and playing with them to carve out their distinct identity that reflects our journey so far.”

The band aimed to create a standalone piece that embraces their musical evolution without rehashing previous works for the sake of nostalgia or financial gain. ‘O’JOY!’ serves as a testament to their commitment to authenticity and creative integrity, leaving no stone unturned as they navigate through their artistic process. The band also dedicated this record to the memory of their friend, Handsome James Borrer, signifying the emotional depth and sincerity embedded in their music.

Accompanying the EP release is the animated video for “HOTEL,” a poignant and introspective track that encapsulates BIG SPECIAL at their most vulnerable and emotionally naked state. This song portrays a blend of resignation and emancipation as it navigates through themes of weariness, solitude, and the peculiar intimacy found in transient spaces, concluding ‘O’JOY!’ with a sense of acceptance rather than closure.

To supplement their EP launch, BIG SPECIAL will be embarking on a series of live performances and festival appearances throughout the summer, including shows at TRNSMT, Boomtown, Beautiful Days, and Moseley Folk Festival, with additional dates soon to be announced. Furthermore, they are scheduled to tour North America in the fall, headlining their shows and supporting Lambrini Girls on selected dates. The band’s commitment to delivering authentic performances and creating genuine records reflects their dedication to their craft, setting the stage for continued artistic growth and exploration.