Giant’s EP gets huge acclaim

“It’s been a long time coming,” says Giant’s Chris Cope ahead of the group’s Chronos // Kairos EP release on Friday.

The two-track progressive rock record by guitarist Jamie Hatchbar and bass player Cope covers vast soundscapes, sumptuous guitar harmonies and even a “wild west” interlude.

Hatchbar has written and played on the majority of the EP, and using his audio skills has recorded, mixed and mastered Chronos // Kairos too.

The pair have played music together for more than 10 years and both share similar music interests which has transferred into their writing.

“Me and Mini [Cope] have been in a couple of bands over the years but I think this is the band we’ve both wanted to be in,” Hatchbar said.

“We both bring stuff to it.”

“I’m the architect you’re [Cope] the guy who signs it off for the council to build it…it’s a joint project.”

Today Giant released the video for their track Kairos, with the 10-minute instrumental aimed to be “catchy, heavy and accessible”.

And the response so far has been very positive.

Cope said Giant are already getting a lot of praise from media south and esteemed rock writer Malcolm Dome has said their work is “uplifting… manages to be both complex yet danceable”.

Dream Theater founding member Mike Portnoy says he’s also a fan.

“Hearing that kind of response from people that makes you think we could do something a bit more with it,” said Cope.

“I think it’s given a platform for Jamie’s songwriting talent to shine through because I don’t think it has been showcased as well as it could be over the last few years.”

More in Friday’s Music Matters column.