Review: Big Mountain County ‘Deep Drives’

It’s always fascinating to observe how a band’s musical journey can evolve and meander over the course of their career, as they experiment with different genres grooves and styles. The Roman’s rock combo Big Mountain County has certainly embarked on a captivating musical odyssey over the past eleven years. Unlike some artists who may encounter significant ‘bumps or plains’ along the way before settling into a distinct sound, the progression of Big Mountain County‘s music has flowed with a remarkable naturalness and cohesion.

At the heart of their creative process seems to be a palpable sense of passion and adrenaline that propels them forward, guiding their stylistic transformations. In the early stages of their career, the band immersed themselves in a raw, acid-tinged garage rock sound, drawing influences that evoke the eclectic sensibilities of artists like Captain Beefheart and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

This edgy, primal aesthetic was particularly palpable on their 2013 debut 7-inch release. However, as their musical exploration has continued, the band has gradually refined and balanced their approach, transitioning into a more sophisticated psychedelic blues sound akin to the Fleshtones. It’s, I shall say, a true dynamic and rock ‘n’ roll rascal.  This evolution has ushered in the emergence of a new Breaking Sound just as their 2015 debut full-length album may suggest.

Amidst the album’s captivating riffs and rhythms, the track 1945 stands out with its opening guitar chords that evoke the haunting melancholy of Nirvana’s About A Girl, eliciting an emotional response that can bring tears to the listener’s eyes. Through this seamless integration of diverse musical elements, Big Mountain County has crafted a compelling and deeply resonant sonic tapestry that reflects the dynamic nature of their artistic journey. The band’s live version of nearly their entire Breaking Sound album, titled Anachronicle, offers a captivating glimpse into their pulsating and energetic sound as a quartet and was released in 2016 through the notable Pisa-based psychedelic garage label Area Pirata.

This live recording serves as a potent snapshot, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the band’s raw, electrifying stage presence. The energy and intensity of their live performance is palpable, transporting the audience right into the heart of the music. The band’s 2018 single Just A Boy marked a distinct shift, or ‘sbandata’ (deviation) as it were, in their musical direction as it showcases a more vibrant, bouncy sound that draws clear parallels to the work of Franz Ferdinand signalling an evolution in the band’s style.

Now, their music exudes a more lively, rhythmically funky energy that seems to span a broader spectrum, with traces of the gritty, acid-tinged tones of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club blending seamlessly with the jangly, Clash-esque guitar work. The release of the band’s 2020 album, Something Else, has undoubtedly ushered in a bold new chapter in their musical evolution. Gone are the days of their earlier, more straightforward sound – this new offering platforms a far more dynamic and multifaceted approach that has captivated longtime fans and newcomers alike as it sees the group fearlessly experimenting with genre-blending soundscapes and innovative arrangements.

After years of introspection and experimentation, the band has emerged with a bold, revitalised sound that marks a significant departure from their previous work. Abandoning their earlier musical sensibilities, they have undergone a profound transformation, akin to a religious conversion experience. It’s as if they’ve been reborn after a mass baptism on the banks of the Tiber River, immersing themselves in an electrifying, pulsating realm of electronic music that grabs hold of the listener and refuses to let go.

Finally, the band’s third studio album, Deep Drives, released on the Mancunian label Sister9 Records, is a captivating offering for devotees of electro-rock dance music. The eight tracks on the album unleash a wild, primal energy, drawing inspiration from the sweaty, tribal rhythms of the ‘80s and ‘90s acts like My Life With The Kill Thrill Kult and the late Killing Joke.

a bold, uncompromising statement that is sure to captivate and inspire music lovers of all stripes…

There’s a delightful sense of contamination and decay permeating the soundscape as if the very fabric of the music has been corrupted and reshaped into something thrillingly raw and visceral. Gone are the band’s previous musical leanings, replaced by a sound that is unapologetically immersive and hypnotic. The pounding beats and throbbing basslines create a magnetic field that compels the listener to move, to surrender to the music’s relentless energy.

It’s a sonic transformation that is both jarring and exhilarating, a bold departure that challenges the listener’s preconceptions and invites them to explore their newfound sonic religion. Their musical offering seems intent on ushering in a bold, reinvigorated era for the beloved ‘Ital-Disco’ genre. While the idea of such a dramatic stylistic shift may initially seem a bit daunting, or even scary to some longtime fans, the end result is a thrilling, multifaceted listening experience that is sure to captivate open-minded music enthusiasts.

From the pulsating, almost trance-like rhythms that could energize even the most rigorous fitness routine, to the driving, frenetic energy that could elevate the most mundane car ride into a raucous, adrenaline-fueled journey, this album exudes a palpable sense of unbridled joy and passion in every note.

The throbbing, Eastern-tinged cadences of tracks like No Time To Lose push the listener to the very brink of exhaustion, while the more subdued, synth-driven elegance of Electric Church provides a welcome respite, exhibiting the artists’ versatility and range. The alluringly dark, seductive soundscape of Follow Me emanates a darkly alluring and pleasurable sound, with the drum work of Alex Dusty (of the garage rock outfit Giuda) lending a distinct atmosphere.

On the album’s standout track, Bright Black Hole, the listener is transported to a sonic realm that evokes the infectious energy of beloved acts like Happy Mondays and The Farm, a refreshing ‘breath of fresh air’ amidst the album’s more experimental forays. For me, Don’t Know Why stands out as the true highlight, a thrilling garage rock number that showcases the group’s exceptional songwriting prowess.

The album’s final offering, Last Call, synthesises a homogenized sonic blend worthy of Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM or Ministry and demonstrates the band’s fearless willingness to push the boundaries of their craft, unafraid to venture into uncharted territory. While the sheer breadth of stylistic experimentation on display may initially bewilder or even unsettle some listeners, the underlying emotional resonance and sense of artistic vision is undeniable.

Deep Drives represents a quantum leap forward for Big Mountain County, a bold, uncompromising statement that is sure to captivate and inspire music lovers of all stripes. And now wipe your sweat.

Label: Sister 9 Recordings
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo