Critic's Notebook

Black Mountain

On this debut, the chameleonic Vancouver fivesome is lovin' the '70s. "Oh, we can't stand/Your modern music/We feel afflicted," singer Stephen McBean moans on the saxophone-and-drums swells of "Modern Music." Things get retro on the bounding-down-the-boulevard "Druganaut," which sounds like Jimi Hendrix by way of Band of Gypsys. But when...
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

Advertising Can't Do It Alone

The challenges facing local news organizations are very real. That's why reader support matters more than ever. If you believe independent journalism matters, make a contribution today and help us reach our summer fundraising goal of $15,000 by August 9.

$15,000

On this debut, the chameleonic Vancouver fivesome is lovin’ the ’70s. “Oh, we can’t stand/Your modern music/We feel afflicted,” singer Stephen McBean moans on the saxophone-and-drums swells of “Modern Music.” Things get retro on the bounding-down-the-boulevard “Druganaut,” which sounds like Jimi Hendrix by way of Band of Gypsys. But when it comes to the lyrics, McBean and co-vocalist Amber Webber focus their sights on bashing U.S. foreign policy. “The war machine/Keeps on rolling/Evil minds and hearts of stone,” they sing wearily on “Set Us Free,” later pleading: “Lord, won’t you let us be?”

Never miss another concert announcement

Sign up for our free music newsletter. We’ve got the latest on the artists you love.

Loading latest posts...