Released: September 26, 2011
Big Black Delta | Big Black Delta | Rating: 9/11 |
Since Jonathan Bates (formerly of Mellowdrone) dropped the fantastical thunder dance “Huggin’ & Kissin” into the ether, he has been high on the list of “I can’t wait to hear” when it comes to album releases. Between the moments of 80s synth chill (“Put The Gun On The Floor”, “PB3”) and true warmth (“Dreary Moon”, “Betamax”)- which such a genre isn’t necessarily known for- BBDLP1 is a warp thrash of electro-pop sounds, unrestrained by protocol or mere Earthly ambitions. Moody (although hardly to the point of slitting a wrist) and celestial sounding, Bates has composed a body electronica that emotes with very human qualities. Beauty is in the varied machinations (his laptop is surely his friend), and tracks like “IFUCKINGLOVEYOU” make use of the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink theory. Award for most surprising (in a good way) track: “Roost”.