Big Scenic Nowhere - Dying on the Mountains

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Musical side projects from musicians are created as a form of musical expression that doesn’t fit in their main bands. In many occasions, the new musical work barely reminds what the musicians play on their main works, on others is just a different insight. So what BIG SCENIC NOWHERE has to offer on their EP “Dying on the Mountains”? The band (the core of it is a quartet, but as the list of member shows, a great number of invited guest is presented) is the brainchild of Bob Balch (guitarist of Stoner Rock band FU MANCHU) and Gary Arce (also guitarist, but for the experimental Rock trio YAWNING MAN). It’s a form of psychedelic/Progressive Rock with Stoner Rock ambiance (due the organic and raw feeling of the songs), filled with an amazing crude energy, and long instrumental journeys. But besides it can sound like nothing new at all for some, it has a personal charm and great melodies.

Recorded on three studios (maybe a consequence from the number of guests), and being mastered by Dave Shirk, the sound quality of “Dying on the Mountains” is crude and organic, as Stoner Rock subgenres must sound. But it is clear in a form that anyone can understand what is being played by the band. It’s the sonority that fits on the band’s work, but with quality. There are only two songs on the EP: the giant “Dying on the Mountain (Pt. 1) / Altered Ages / Dying on the Mountain (Pt. 2)”, a 20 minutes long song, filled with excellent melodies and psychedelic crude energy that will remind great works from the 70’s, but not being a copy or sounding moldy (and there are big contrasts between brutal heavy parts with melodic tender moments). And “Towards the Sun” shows the same contrast, but into a somber melodic insight, and what lovely vocals and guitars.

“Dying on the Mountains” is really a very good work, and opens doors for a future full length of BIG SCENIC NOWHERE. And some of the EP’s elements points for new musical possibilities in the future.

Originality: 8
Songwriting: 9
Memorability: 8
Production: 8