Black Mountain return to the scene after 6 years with their new album “IV”. Drummer Josh Wells talked to Grande Rock about the new album among others things…
Hi Josh. We are very glad to have you on Grande Rock. Do tell us… why did it take you about 6 years to come up with a new studio album?
J: Good albums take time, and inspiration is crucial. We won’t make a bad album just because it’ll pay our rent.
What happened and longtime member Tim left the band?
J: I’m glad Tim left, case I didn’t even realize he was in the band!
The bass on the album was recorded by Arjan Miranda (S.T.R.E.E.T.S, Children, The Family Band). Was the cooperation with Arjan only for the recordings? Did you talk any further about his joining the band? How did you come up with your new bass player Colin Cowan?
J: He came in and helped a lot with the recordings, but wasn’t down to tour. Colin came along and was amazing and down to tour, plus he’s a real jazzer!!
Which are the main differences between the new album “IV” and “Wilderness Heart”?
J: Last album was Tecate and blow, this album was bong hits and turmeric.
Some fans of yours were complaining about the previous album and the “different” sound approach it had. Now they seem to be quite pleased with you returning to your “roots” in a way. Was this something that bothered you during these 6 years?
J: No.
The album title “IV”, does it just symbolize your fourth studio work or there’s also a different meaning behind it?
J: IV=4=fore=??
Please give us a hint about each track…
J: “Mothers of the Sun”: White light…
“Florian Saucer Attack”: Hamilton, Ontario vs Munchen, Deutchland.
“Defector”: Spill some beer for em…
“You Can Dream”: Translucent showrooms.
“Constellations”: Real or fake cowbell?
“Line Them All Up”: Horns from France…
“Cemetery Breeding”: Norse gods…
“(Over & Over) the Chain”: Viva trance…
“Crucify Me”: Live from the top down, dubbed from the bottom.
“Space to Bakersfield”: Maggots “Space to Bakersfield”…
Once again, you’ve cooperated with Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Earth) for the production. Is it easier to work with someone who knows exactly what kind of sound you want to achieve? And how satisfied are you with the final outcome?
J: Yes. Very satisfied.
It is probably kinda cliché but do you really believe that this is your strongest material and why?
J: We believe all kinds of things. Not really our place to say what is real or imagined.
I like that 70s strong psychedelic atmosphere that the new album exhales but I also fancy that “futuristic” (in the way the term was used back in the 70s/80s) feeling it has at the same time. Can those two elements match together and what’s that thin line which separates them?
J: We believe in the future that the past promised. The one we got is bullshit!
So what’s that “hidden message” one can find out if they play the vinyl backwards?
J: Gonna have to find that one for yourself!
Will there be another video out anytime soon? If yes, for which track?
J: We shall see. If we get inspired, it’ll be a low budget self-made kinda deal. Could be fun!
How would you describe Black Mountain’s music style to someone who hasn’t heard of the band at all?
J: It’s rock music.
What is that you want to achieve with Black Mountain in ensuing years?
J: To stay good until we are bad, then stop.
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! How did you come up with the name Black Mountain initially?
J: Record shopping in a dream store.
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
J: Everything apart from playing live, jamming and recording...
Which are the best 3 Psychedelic Rock albums of all time according to you?
J: Aphrodite’s Child “666” is all three! Honorary mention to Los Dug Dugs.
Which do you consider to be the best female vocalist in rock history?
J: Ethel Mermen.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane…
Fill in the phrase… “Psychedelic Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
J: Little Richard.
Which is the most underrated musician of all time?
J: I disagree; Witch is the most overrated stoner band of all time. Drummer is a hack, and the Newfy bassist is a pasty waste of space.
Where would you like to live… in Middle Earth, in the Seven Kingdoms or in a post-apocalyptic world like the one on “The Walking Dead”?
J: Dorn.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: I find this question unanswerable, and also sexist.
J: Good albums take time, and inspiration is crucial. We won’t make a bad album just because it’ll pay our rent.
What happened and longtime member Tim left the band?
J: I’m glad Tim left, case I didn’t even realize he was in the band!
The bass on the album was recorded by Arjan Miranda (S.T.R.E.E.T.S, Children, The Family Band). Was the cooperation with Arjan only for the recordings? Did you talk any further about his joining the band? How did you come up with your new bass player Colin Cowan?
J: He came in and helped a lot with the recordings, but wasn’t down to tour. Colin came along and was amazing and down to tour, plus he’s a real jazzer!!
Which are the main differences between the new album “IV” and “Wilderness Heart”?
J: Last album was Tecate and blow, this album was bong hits and turmeric.
Some fans of yours were complaining about the previous album and the “different” sound approach it had. Now they seem to be quite pleased with you returning to your “roots” in a way. Was this something that bothered you during these 6 years?
J: No.
The album title “IV”, does it just symbolize your fourth studio work or there’s also a different meaning behind it?
J: IV=4=fore=??
Please give us a hint about each track…
J: “Mothers of the Sun”: White light…
“Florian Saucer Attack”: Hamilton, Ontario vs Munchen, Deutchland.
“Defector”: Spill some beer for em…
“You Can Dream”: Translucent showrooms.
“Constellations”: Real or fake cowbell?
“Line Them All Up”: Horns from France…
“Cemetery Breeding”: Norse gods…
“(Over & Over) the Chain”: Viva trance…
“Crucify Me”: Live from the top down, dubbed from the bottom.
“Space to Bakersfield”: Maggots “Space to Bakersfield”…
Once again, you’ve cooperated with Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Earth) for the production. Is it easier to work with someone who knows exactly what kind of sound you want to achieve? And how satisfied are you with the final outcome?
J: Yes. Very satisfied.
It is probably kinda cliché but do you really believe that this is your strongest material and why?
J: We believe all kinds of things. Not really our place to say what is real or imagined.
I like that 70s strong psychedelic atmosphere that the new album exhales but I also fancy that “futuristic” (in the way the term was used back in the 70s/80s) feeling it has at the same time. Can those two elements match together and what’s that thin line which separates them?
J: We believe in the future that the past promised. The one we got is bullshit!
So what’s that “hidden message” one can find out if they play the vinyl backwards?
J: Gonna have to find that one for yourself!
Will there be another video out anytime soon? If yes, for which track?
J: We shall see. If we get inspired, it’ll be a low budget self-made kinda deal. Could be fun!
How would you describe Black Mountain’s music style to someone who hasn’t heard of the band at all?
J: It’s rock music.
What is that you want to achieve with Black Mountain in ensuing years?
J: To stay good until we are bad, then stop.
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! How did you come up with the name Black Mountain initially?
J: Record shopping in a dream store.
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
J: Everything apart from playing live, jamming and recording...
Which are the best 3 Psychedelic Rock albums of all time according to you?
J: Aphrodite’s Child “666” is all three! Honorary mention to Los Dug Dugs.
Which do you consider to be the best female vocalist in rock history?
J: Ethel Mermen.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane…
Fill in the phrase… “Psychedelic Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
J: Little Richard.
Which is the most underrated musician of all time?
J: I disagree; Witch is the most overrated stoner band of all time. Drummer is a hack, and the Newfy bassist is a pasty waste of space.
Where would you like to live… in Middle Earth, in the Seven Kingdoms or in a post-apocalyptic world like the one on “The Walking Dead”?
J: Dorn.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: I find this question unanswerable, and also sexist.