Big Hoax

If you’re looking for a summer band, this four-year-old four-piece has a brand new record that will serve as the perfect warm weather music. Luke Alexander’s earthy vocals lead his bandmates’ instruments—upright bass, cello, trumpet, pedal steel guitar, piano, to name a few—through a range of songs: outright folk, upbeat stomps, sunny bossa nova, a lovers’ waltz. At times, they bring to mind the rich anthemic harmonies of a young Mumford & Sons; at others, they evoke the worldly darkness of an early-album Dave Matthews. But all the while, Big Hoax remains uniquely themselves, experimenting with form and genre, creating a robust medley of Americana sound. - Baltimore Magazine

Big Hoax is an Alternative Americana/World band with members' roots stretching all over Maryland. It consists of Luke Alexander (lead vocals/guitar), Stephen Filer (strings/vocals), Peter Krutschnitt (drums/percussion), and David Lester (Bass). A band that has seen nothing but continuous growth since their start as a guitar-cello duo in February 2013 Big Hoax has performed alongside artists such as Mark Schatz of Nickel Creek, Little Feat, Delta Rae, Cabinet, The Steel Wheels, and The Streets of Laredo among others. In the 2015 Tiny Desk Concert Contest, Big Hoax was featured as an honorable mention for their live performance of their song "Over and Over" out of over 8,000 band submissions nationally.

Big Hoax will release their first full-length album, Mirror Image, on June 24th. The fourteen track collection, all penned by Alexander, merges various genres - from folk to pop to middle eastern - for an eclectic, satisfying listen. One of the project's tracks, "Dreaming" is (as its name implies) a gorgeous, celestial waltz heavily influenced by Baroque elements that is truly transportive. - The Daily Country

"The sound will undoubtedly be compared to Avett Brothers, but listen beyond that to the depth of sound, the thoughtfulness of the songwriting..." - Americana Music Times

"When I saw the two of you together at 49 West I was blown away." Carrie Neuman, 103.1 WRNR Radio - Carrie Neuman

After Tuesday’s show, I know Big Hoax, formed less than a year ago and performing with Swamp Candy every Tuesday in the Ram’s Head Down Bar, had a much larger fan base.
-Jessica Pachler - Capital Gazette

To be honest modern folk bands have worn me thin. The image that a majority of the bands have decided to portray has become cartoon-like; bearded men all dressed like they came out of a John Steinbeck novel shredding banjo’ and fiddles while leading “hey, ho” chants.

In saying that, it is quite refreshing to find the Baltimore duo of singer/guitarist Luke Alexander and classically trained cellist Stephen Filer, also known as Big Hoax. Unlike their contemporaries Big Hoax’s debut album Open doesn’t rely on trends or gimmicks, the songs are filled with energy, sincerity, and painful beauty in every track.

“Dreaming” is an elegantly simplistic song with some slick production work that carries the listener through a tender and gentle love ballad. While “Over & Over” is raw and energetic romping and stomping tune about a one-sided unhealthy relationship where the narrator realizes his mistakes and longs for love but know’s he’ll continue down his self-destructive path.

The alluring charm of Open is the delicate honesty from singer/songwriter Luke Alexander. Whether the tales are autobiographical or fictional, the candid nature of the songwriting is impressive. Not so much in a wearing the heart on the sleeve cliche, but more bearing what’s inside one’s heart and soul.

It’s an impressive 7-track debut from Big Hoax and with this kind of craftsmanship on their first record, it should make us all excited for what’s to come.
Jason Buettner - The Owl Mag

"Would like to see a live performance of this - the energy put in can be felt through the recording; one could only imagine the elation of witnessing this live. The vocalist doesn't hide he really gives his all - a trait most people appreciate and hunger for. My hope is that this band would be able to satisfy a growing fan base - a matter of quality over quantity. As long as they can weather the common obstacles of stardom, I’d say these guys have a chance at getting some serious recognition. We look forward to tracking your success." -Reginald Wallace, ThruArt House - ThruArt House

"At 5 [pm] Big Hoax from MD. took the main stage. I had never heard of them, but two songs drew me in. Their genre is listed as Alternative Folk, their enticing melodies and definitive singer reeled me in like a brook trout. I was feeling them more as Americana/ Soul, and their eccentricities were musically endearing to the ear.It resonated of deep love, and stinging anguish. their set was so soulful, it seemed to uplift the glorious mountains themselves." - Appalachian Jamwhich