Mellowdrone frontman Jonathan Bates is the brains behind the band Big Black Delta, although you are just as likely to catch him playing with Brian Wilson, M83, Britt Daniel of Spoon, Dhani Harrison and numerous others. But he makes a triumphant return with the Big Black Delta moniker this month with Trágame Tierra, BBD's first album in three years.
It is a dynamic mix of sounds and tones, building off their ear-catching self-titled debut album & moving into another level. Sugary pop confectionary combine both with well-played live instrumentation and darker cutting-edge electronic structures, and all seasoned with a liberal dose of epic 70s classic-rock (with shades of ELO throughout) and 80s New Wave futurism.(possibly inspired by opening for Gary Numan). An unlikely assortment of guests also chime in, from Kimbra to Debbie Gibson, adding to the unique vibe. Bates admits its genesis was difficult: in his own words:
"It was heavy times during the writing and recording of these songs. Losing my father and close friend within 12 months of each other kind of did my head in. Getting all my equipment and identity stolen didn’t help much either. I was lucky I had something to channel into instead of self-destructing. My dad would’ve dug this record because I played a bunch more guitars on it. If you love someone, never be afraid to tell them."
Big Black Delta play a hometown show at the Regent Theatre in Downtown LA on Saturday, May 28th.
"It was heavy times during the writing and recording of these songs. Losing my father and close friend within 12 months of each other kind of did my head in. Getting all my equipment and identity stolen didn’t help much either. I was lucky I had something to channel into instead of self-destructing. My dad would’ve dug this record because I played a bunch more guitars on it. If you love someone, never be afraid to tell them."
Big Black Delta play a hometown show at the Regent Theatre in Downtown LA on Saturday, May 28th.