In the six years since Dinosaur Pile-Up‘s last album, ‘Celebrity Mansions’, frontman Matt Bigland has experienced a life-threatening illness, battling ulcerative colitis. In that time, he’s built up many pent-up emotions. However, the Leeds-based trio have unleashed a new single – ”Bout To Lose It’. The track also coincides with the band signing to Mascot Records.
Dinosaur Pile-Up‘s comeback track proves to be equally cathartic and a reminder of their sharp brand of alt-rock, allowing Bigland to reflect on an uncertain future, and not just the band. In early 2021, his illness left him in critical care, on a ward when only half of the six people there passed away. It led to Bigland to reflect on how fleeting life can be.
“You think you’re halfway through life, but then you realise you might be right at the end,” Matt shares with a smile. “Being in that room was scary. I felt incredibly vulnerable. I had no control. But hearing people in the final hours of their lives forced me to think about what would happen if I were to die. What was I leaving behind? What really mattered while I was here? What bullshit did I waste my time worrying about? What had true value to me? I’ve always understood that life can be fleeting and fragile – how important it is to take every chance – but I’d never processed it like that…”
Joined by bassist Jim Cratchley and drummer Mike Sheils, ”Bout To Lose It’ is a visceral and intense release that Matt says “is about feeling completely and utterly on the edge of your capacity emotionally”.
While there was a smattering of live dates and festival appearances in recent years, Bigland’s health issue cast uncertainty over Dinosaur Pile-Up‘s future. ”Bout To Lose It’ is evidence of a band rejuvenated, thankful and hungry to get back to business.
Learn more about Matt Bigland’s health issues in the four-part video series on Dinosaur Pile-Up‘s Instagram.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDM9ytdRZ9w/?mc_cid=b78e9c5a90&mc_eid=2dfc4d1dba
