Track listing: She's Leaving Early, She's Working Late / Only Blues Inside

What I don't get enough of is Americana/Rock hybrid groups with ties to Ukraine. Enter: Big Sexy. You've got an American-based author-turned-musician (Gary Maccagnone) teaming up with a Ukrainian composer (Alex Goroshko) to lay down some pretty badass blues and roots rock/country songs. For the moment, we're listening to two of their latest singles, "She's Leaving Early, She's Working Late" and "Only Blues Inside."

First off, "She's Leaving..." is a straight atcha power pop-country tune. The lead guitar hits you from the get-go, leading into a narrative verse that sets the tone for the impending sadness. Yeah, "that girl is not bein' straight." Such is the luck of a song in this genre. The musicianship is tight, though, with a catchy hook and that always-beloved Hammond B3 & a piano eagerly plunking out eight notes to back up the rhythm section. It's a sweet song, though, to be sure. As All-American as you'd wanna get. Loving the vocal melody and overall energy of this one.

Then we take a turn for the bluesier side of life with the aptly named "Only Blues Inside." The sultry female vocal conjures up visions of a smokey room, a strong pour in your glass, and wanton stares from every corner of the room. The lead guitar once again takes the lead between verses, tearing up the fretboard with some terrifically dirty licks. This song would hit hard in old bars from Chicago to Austin, 7 nights a week. And once again, our friend the Hammond B3--is there a sweeter sound in all of music history?

They've got a nice write-up of Big Sexy's River of Shame over at maxazine.com. Take a look at that, for sure, as it gives a little more breadth to the group's flurry of 2025 releases. And the best way to get in touch with the group beyond following their streaming platforms is to give a follow on Instagram to the band's musical director, @alexgoroshko8. And please do let me know if they're playing live anywhere within a couple hours' drive of Austin, Texas, and I'll meet you there!