Q&A: Black Mountain's Stephen McBean on the Evolution of His "Psychedelic" Band
photo by Steve Gullick Far right: Stephen McBean
Vancouver's Black Mountain are usually considered two things: 1) a musical collective spearheaded by guitarist/vocalist Stephen McBean; 2) heir apparent to some vague Black Sabbath torch. While the former isn't necessarily true--they've settled down as a five piece--their first two albums did demonstrate a striking fondness for sweet riffs. This September they returned with their third album Wilderness Heart. The metal still flourishes on cuts like "Old Fangs" and "Let Spirits Ride," but overall the devil-horn driven aesthetic has been exchanged a bit for more softer, flick-your-Bic moments.
Since Black Mountain headline the Bowery Ballroom tonight and the Music Hall of Williamsburg tomorrow, November 4, Sound of the City spoke with McBean about why bands don't struggle anymore, soup-kitchen touring, and the relative meaning of the sonic term "heavy."
Write Comment
Email to Friend
