Little Angels - "Big, Bad & Back" EP review

Little Angels: ‘Big, Bad and Back’ EP

Over three decades since their last release, Little Angels return with “Big, Bad and Back,” an EP that feels both celebratory and rooted in who they’ve always been. What began as a simple run of rehearsals for their reunion tour turned into something more meaningful. Going into the studio, the band felt inspired to capture that energy as the chemistry remained and the spark stayed lit. What you get is a set of five songs that sound confident, vibrant, and unmistakably theirs.

Still intact is the classic line-up: Toby Jepson manages vocals and guitar, Bruce Dickinson plays guitar, Jim Dickinson performs on keyboards, Mark Plunkett supplies bass and backing vocals, and Mark Richardson plays drums. They recorded the tracks live, giving the EP a natural drive and immediacy that suits their hard‑rock foundation. The Big Bad Horns; Dave Kemp on saxophone and aerophone, and Grant Kirkhope on trumpet; add extra colour throughout, while Doris Brendel’s guest vocals on one track bring an additional spark. Mixed by Mike Fraser, whose work on albums by Aerosmith, Bryan Adams, Thunder and many more is legendary, the EP has a punchy, polished sound that still retains the grit of a band playing together in a room.

Jepson has discussed how the songs convey a sense of returning home. The songs reflect on their origins, recognise their current identity, and embrace the journey that led them here. That sentiment runs through the EP but never weighs it down. Instead, it gives the music a warm emotional core beneath the riffs, hooks and swagger.

The opening track, ‘All For One,’ serves as both an anthem and a declaration. It bursts out of the speakers with a hard‑rocking confidence, powered by Richardson’s drums and Jepson’s commanding vocals. The message is straightforward yet inspiring: together, we are stronger. As the song builds, the Big Bad Horns slide in to give the finale an extra kick of swing and soul, lifting the track even further. It’s a thrilling start and a reminder of how well Little Angels blend muscular rock with bright, melodic touches.

The following track, ‘Hero (That Was Then, This Is Now),’ debuted on radio and quickly became an earworm. It has that classic Little Angels feel: a big chorus, tight rhythm work, and a sense of momentum that never lets up. Richardson drives the song forward with crisp, energetic drumming, while the guitars lock together with the assurance that only comes from years of shared experience. It’s a standout moment and one that shows the band’s ability to sound fresh without losing their identity.

‘Small Town Boys’ offers insight without becoming overly sentimental. It looks back at the band’s early days, the chances they took, and the places that shaped them. The Big Bad Horns give the intro a burst of brightness before Bruce Dickinson steps forward with some beautifully judged guitar work. Jim Dickinson adds a recurring keyboard motif that nods to The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again,’ weaving it into the song without ever distracting from its own character. It’s a track full of heart, played with real finesse.

In ‘You Want Love,’ which features Doris Brendel on vocals, the upbeat pace continues. The interplay between Jepson and Brendel is exhilarating, echoing the spirited back‑and‑forth of classic rock duets. The horns return, adding punch and sparkle, and the whole song races along with breathless energy. It’s fun, fiery, and impossible not to smile at.

Closing track ‘Raised To The Ground’ brings a soulful edge. Jim Dickinson’s Hammond‑style keyboards give the song a warm Stax‑influenced vibe, blending beautifully with the band’s rock backbone. It’s anthemic, confident, and a fitting end to a collection that celebrates both where Little Angels have been and where they’re heading.

Across all five tracks, the musicianship is superb. Jepson’s vocals are in excellent form, and the band sound revitalised. “Big, Bad and Back” is a gorgeous set of hard‑rock‑with‑soul tunes; energetic, catchy, and full of life. If this EP’s spirit carries into their live shows, fans are in for something truly special.