EP Review: Little Angels – Big Bad & Back
Big Bad Music November 6th, 2026
Reviewer – Chris O’Connor
Good grief, has it really been thirty-two years? It seems scarcely credible that more than three decades have passed since Scarborough’s finest purveyors of gloriously exuberant melodic hard rock last treated us to new material. Yet here we are, with Toby Jepson and his merry band of musical miscreants returning to remind us precisely why Little Angels were such a magnificent force in British rock music.
And what a joyous return this is!
Recorded at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire and mixed by the legendary Mike Fraser, ‘Big Bad & Back‘ reunites the classic line-up of Jepson, guitarist Bruce Dickinson, keyboardist Jim Dickinson, bassist Mark Plunkett and drummer Mark Richardson. More importantly, it captures that irresistible chemistry which made albums like ‘Jam‘ such treasured possessions.
Opener ‘All For One‘ comes charging out of the traps with swaggering guitars, thunderous rhythms and those wonderfully exuberant brass arrangements. It’s quintessential Little Angels, delivered with the enthusiasm of musicians rediscovering just how much fun they can have together.
The splendid ‘Hero (That Was Then, This Is Now)’ is particularly poignant, reflecting upon the passing years without wallowing in nostalgia. Jepson remains a wonderfully expressive vocalist, his distinctive delivery bringing warmth and conviction to a chorus that positively demands audience participation.
‘Small Town Boys’ combines muscular riffing with infectious melodies, while ‘You Want Love’ introduces a deliciously soulful dimension, its spirited vocal interplay adding another layer of colour. Closing number‘Raised To The Ground’ brings proceedings to a suitably raucous conclusion, leaving you wishing there were another five songs waiting in the wings.
Ultimately, ‘Big Bad & Back’ is everything a reunion release ought to be. Rather than attempting to recapture their youth, Little Angels have rediscovered the musical magic that made them special, delivering five cracking songs brimming with personality, energy and irresistible hooks. Thirty-two years? Frankly, gentlemen, you’ve kept us waiting quite long enough. Welcome home, lads. You’ve been sorely missed!
Track List:
- All For One
- Hero (That Was Then, This Is Now)
- Small Town Boys
- You Want Love
- Raised To The Ground
Line-up:
Toby Jepson – vocalist
Bruce Dickinson – guitarist
Jim Dickinson – keyboards
Mark Plunkett – bass
Mark Richardson – drums
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