Yielding from Vancouver, BC, Black Mountain is another name Canadians should be proud of. After all, they did open for Coldplay.
But seriously.
(side note – what the name Black Mountain actually stands for is a large pile of hash).
In the Future proves to be a valiant second effort for the band, with heavy guitar and dissonant vocals. An ironic name choice, this album does not present the listener with anything futuristic. Instead, they channel a vintage vibe, evoking classic rock legends such as Led Zeppelin and The Doors.
Ok. Before you decide to shun Black Mountain for jumping on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack, keep in mind that they ARE sandwiched between The Flaming Lips and The Walkmen on the track list. I realize that following in the footsteps of Canadian “darlings” Chad Kroeger and Hoobastank (Spiderman and Spiderman 2 soundtracks, respectively) is not the best career move considering their target demographic. But even though I have not seen this alleged catastrophe of a movie, I must admit that the track listing for the third installment of the Spiderman franchise is quite impressive. But that is neither here nor there.
At first, I was unmoved by the psychedelic rock compilation that is In the Future. “Stormy High” opens the album with anticlimactic, repetitive rhythms that fail to impress. But it’s tracks like “Queens Will Play”, with crafty lyrics and loud percussions, that make the album worthwhile… Or maybe just the songs where Amber Webber's incredible vocals dominate. “Angels” is an amazing addition to the album, a timeless gem like the classic rock songs you infallibly find in every diner’s jukebox. “Tyrants” is also a masterpiece, albeit its blatant “Stairway to Heaven” mimicking (and the fact that it’s 8 minutes long).
Black Mountain’s sophomore album is sometimes eerie, sometimes loud and obnoxious. All in all, it is an enjoyable listen with some remarkable songs. But this Future is not what you would have expected.
1 comment:
i love this album. 'angels' is fantastic.
Post a Comment