The Big Provider are a catharsis of modern pop music with a sound that is overflowing with ceaseless energy, pure, untainted and raw. Their cutting-edge fusion of jam band, jazz, funk, ska and rock is as addictive as heroin but without all the nasty side effects. This is music that feels intelligent, sexy and unconventional. The Big Provider are a trio of Southern Californian boys whose music is most easily described as Anti-pop.

The Big Provider aren’t the opposite of pop music – would that be death metal (?) – but the cure for the flaccid, sugary, bimbo/boy-band pop that big record companies seem to be so fond of currently. TBP manage to be similar but completely different, accessible but absolutely irreverent. It is music that doesn’t assume you’re an idiot and need to be hand-held but rather that you think and feel all by yourself.

With a funky bass line and simple stripped down drums “Fascinated” begins The Big Provider’s second album Start Making A Scene. Frontman Jackson has a distinctive falsetto that compliments his straight-from-the-hip lyrics like “Growin’ old and feelin’ jaded and I need to be fascinated by who you are and what you do and how you think.” This track is fresh, energetic and perfectly comfortable.

“So Bad” reaches to ska for inspiration. With more guitar, a groovy bass line and minimalist approach to percussion, TBP reach for the accessible side of ska. This funkier, harmony driven hybrid is danceable and completely enjoyable.

The rock-heavy tracks “Alcoholic”, “Victim” and “Thought About” all have the full-on guitar hook mixed with TBP’s signature funky bass-lines. Add jazz/funk inspired tracks “A Fine Display”, “The Sin Song” and “So Many Expectations” and a sweet ballad or two, “”Say Our Goodbyes” and “Cold Shoulder”, and you have an excellent and well rounded album. Start Making A Scene is buoyant, dynamic, raw, sometimes boyish, sometimes mature but always accomplished.

If you would like to listen to the slightly chaotic, energetic The Big Provider, you can visit their MySpace space or their website. You can also pick up Start Making A Scene at CDBaby.