Black Mountain, Jesse Sykes

Last night I was blown away by Black Mountain and opener Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter playing at Bowery Ballroom. I hate “you should’ve been there” comments, but seriously. Black Mountain’s Stephen McBean wrangled huge sounds from his mighty prehistoric-shaped guitar and enormous effects pedal collection. Each song began slowly, building upon a deep thumping bass and droning organ/keyboard rhythm, bringing the crowd along until everyone was just hurting for that moment where McBean let loose holy hell in epic guitar freak-out fashion. 

Adding to the hugeness was the steady assault on the drums, warbling support vocals, and Floydish vibe of the hazy green lit stage. There was no smoke machine, but I was fooled. The show was so good it has forced me to listen to their latest album In the Future in a new, yet obvious way, LOUDER.

Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter was a pleasant suprise. Sykes slowly delivered lines in a folky, if not slightly Irish sounding manner. Guitarist Phil Wandscher (ex. Whiskeytown) poured fourth steady rock and roll lead, crafting a much welcome hard edge to the bands up-in-smoke vibe. We have a decent EP here, though I find the guitar too pushed back compared to their live sound. 

Though their approachs are different, the two bands fit nicely back to back. I recommend giving both a second listen, this time have the volume way up. 

Image from here by ryandombal.