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Black Mountain

Black Mountain band members in the wilderness

Formed: 2004
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Stoner Rock
Years Active: 2004 -
Meaning of the Name: Was originally the name of a song on their demo.
Core Members: Stephen McBean, Amber Webber
Way of Working: Led by Stephen McBean
Associated: Pink Mountaintops, Jerk With A Bomb, Sinoia Caves, Lightning Dust

Essential Releases

Dummy

Bastard of
Light EP (2007)

A powerful EP showcasing their early mastery of heavy, atmospheric jams.

Album Title 2

In the Future (2008)

Cornerstone of their discography, blending their signature heavy sound with new ideas.


Mountain men of the world unite! Vancouver's very own Black Mountain are here, bringing with them a unique blend of psychedelia, folk (see 'Stay Free') and rock 'n' roll. As you travel the valleys and peaks of Canada's rugged frontier the band's music fills the night. Listening to it feels like having your feet in the dirt, a beer in your hand, and the wind in your face.

With frontman Stephen McBean's long history in music (he formed his first band in 1981), Black Mountain aren't chasing trends; their sound is already masterfully refined.

While not groundbreaking, their music is expertly crafted. The interweaving male-female vocal dynamics of McBean and Amber Webber are a particular highlight. Their sound is more than just a collection of psychedelic styles. Just like the vast Canadian wilderness, Black Mountain have atmosphere in abundance, which is provided by analogue synthesizers that buzz alongside the guitars.

In the spirit of collaboration and artistic growth the band formed a larger collective known as Black Mountain Army, which features overlapping musicians from several bands in a similar way to their fellow Canadians Broken Social Scene. Black Mountain members Amber Webber and Joshua Wells perform as Lightning Dust, Jeremy Schmidt has a solo synth outfit known as Sinoia Caves, and Stephen McBean is a part of various projects such as Pink Mountaintops.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
70

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
55

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
40

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
55

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
55

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
85

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
70

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
85

Singing

i Technical attributes.
75

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
85

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
60

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
60

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
80

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
60

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
75

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
55


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Polaris Prize Nominee: In the Future

Certifications

Charts

Critics


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