Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 2 / 10 / 2010




Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart


Label: Jagjaguwar
Format: CD
Fantastic 70's-influenced rock on third album from acclaimed Candian band, Black Mountain



Review

A lot of my friends worship Canadian band Black Mountain, but, apart from hearing an EP, 'Wilderness Heart', which is their third album. is the first time I have really heard them. To be honest I was expecting much more of a stoner experience, but what they do with their 70's influenced big rock sounds still registered on my wave length. It opens with 'The Hair Song', which recalls both T Rex and David Bowie, A a lot of the songs on the album such as this track are sung as a duet between co-singers, Stephen McBean and Ashley Webber, which quickly suck you into the wide spaces that the music occupies. 'Old Fangs' again again has an early 70's big riff groove and features a retro-sounding organ. 'Radiant Hearts' has fine guitar work and is another song to get lost in. 'Rollercoaster' recalls at first the Rolling Stones. Meaty riffs fill the air. It is, however, well-paced and eventually goes into Led Zeppelin territory. 'Let Spirits Ride' is as fast as Motorhead, but with an early 70's twist, while McBean's vocals are reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne. 'Buried By the Blues' is slow, soft and absolutely charming. 'The Way to Gone' is also soft at first, but gradually picks up pace and is a track to nod your head too. 'Wilderness Heart' has Webber on lead vocals and is edgy female-fronted rock. It sounds quite like a gritty Patti Smith, until the big time riffs kick in again dating the track somewhat. 'The Space of Your Mind' has almost a country sound and a protest song is delivered in a way that the Alarm would be of. 'Sadie Ends the Work' is soft and gentle, but with a gritty vocal and a great way to end this fantastic album.



Track Listing:-

1 The Hair Song
2 Old Fangs
3 Radiant Hearts
4 Rollercoaster
5 Let Spirits Ride
6 Buried By The Blues
7 The Way To Gone
8 Wilderness Heart
9 The Space of Your Mind
10 Sadie


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