ALBUM REVIEWS

Ed Kowalczyk ALIVE JAGJAGUWAR RECORDS 13.9.10 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk Looking into Black Mountain’s history, everything - page, comments or review seems to be written by a dedicated following of fans. The band seems to actively maintain a low-key approach to their exposure even to the point that the band members also hold down day jobs through choice rather than necessity. Dig a little deeper and you find a real following for this band and their anticipation of this release reinforces the appeal with its folk roots and upbeat rhythms. Their sound is described as “Canadian psychedelic rock” which is doesn’t really explain where they’re coming from but with their male / female vocals, there is something to the sound that appeals in a stripped down stoner sort of way. As the album proceeds with tracks like ‘The Hair Song’ and ‘Rollercoaster, the references come thick and fast with a sound leaning heavily on Southern Americana. My stand out track off the album is ‘Old Fangs’ whose sound reminds me of the Dandy Warhols but maybe that just the interlacing of the male, female vocals. Ultimately, Black Mountain isn’t for me but this is a personal choice and when you look at their musical ability on merits alone, they definitely have appeal. There sound has a unique lo-fi quality to it and has gained them a global following which does them credit in this world of over exposure. Simon Mulholland www.myspace.com/blackmountain Email Links & Comments to the editor Check the latest album releases