:: Black Cab - Altamont Diary

Black Cab

Original. Creative. Assured. They're about the only words I need to describe this brooding piece of work from Melbourne indie act, Black Cab. Full of atmospheric guitar effects, trippy keyboard sounds, moody drums and an assortment of alternate instruments (sitar, wind chimes), Altamont Diary is one of the finest debut releases this reviewer has heard in a long time. Tied in with the Rolling Stones infamous free concert at Altamont Speedway - they employed the services of the Hells Angels for security and in their role, bashed crowd members and killed an innocent spectator - it's not only the music which works on so many levels but the thought provoking presentation of the CD sleeve and its cover art (the red blood stain over black and white concert photos really provides a poignant moment) plus actual eyewitness sound bytes which they've interspersed at various points throughout the album. From the laid back groove of Summer Of Love through the intense Good Drugs to the beaty vibe of New Speedway Boogie and the epic 1970, it's an impressive release. This isn't just a debut; this is a statement!