Fans of HUGE

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” This old quote certainly rings true regarding the transition for the brothers Russ and Dean Iglay, after the break up and then reunion of their internationally beloved band, Underdog, and then the formation of their next project, HUGE. After the long awaited reunion of Underdog and a few worldwide tours (U.S., Europe and Japan), the Iglay brothers found themselves back in their hometown of Belmar, NJ with an itch that needed to be scratched. Russ had started jotting down song ideas and lyrics while on the road with Underdog guitarist (ex American Standard) Matt Dolan and roadie Mike Van Pelt. Russ wanted to try his hand at being a frontman for a band with the sound of his old English punk bands like Sham 69, Buzzcocks and Cock Sparrer. When they got home, the Iglays, Dolan and Van Pelt started the process of refining the songs and then playing east coast shows with their friends Murphy’s Law, DOA, Godspeed The Supersuckers and of course, Underdog. Russ’ legendary persona and energy on stage was quickly embraced by Underdog fans and the new school, looking for classic punk mixed with the sonic sounds and musicianship of the rock bands respected through the years. HUGE went into the studio with Phil Caivano of Blitzspeer, Shrapnel and Monster Magnet at his studio, Studio 13 in Red Bank, NJ and laid down tracks for their debut release. Much like the band name, the sound is indeed HUGE with angst ridden, yet positive anthems that their audiences sing along with “up to 11” and masterful guitar work in the vein of Dag Nasty/Scream woven throughout the tracks. A HUGE show and audience is a great blend of old school and new school skaters, surfers and punks and skins with the fuse already lit, ready to go off. Surf related songs like “Sun on My Back” and “Cheddar” are perfect psyche songs to get moshed or barreled, depending upon the environment. After recording, Matt Dolan moved off to Copenhagen with family and was replaced with Marc Zeveney from Floorpunch & Endeavor and they also added Grady (bassist for Good Humor) on rhythm guitar as they continue to take their music on the road. Released on 681 Records by the much loved, old school NYHC lawyer and all around positive spirit, Dave Stein, the long awaited HUGE EP is available on iTunes & Revhq.com. The Underdog door has certainly not closed, it’s more ajar, but look for the HUGE door opening in your town when they come through your town soon. We wish you all the power of the sun on your back… Take members of UNDERDOG...add Mike VanPelt (MVP) on bass guitar...move Russ to lead vocals, put Gerry Franklin and Zev on guitars and you have HUGE!