Album Review: New Gold Mountain

A mix of acoustic calm, eclectic psychedelic and nostalgic Kiwiana is what you can expect of New Gold Mountain, the semi-eponymous debut from New Gum Sarn.

While rooted in an old world sound, unfamiliar to many pop adherents today, New Gum Sarn’s sound is shaded with moments of playfulness and the experimental. Of the two instrumental tracks Anxiety Nap and Panic in the Treasure Trove, the second shows the band’s playful side, the track sounding like a Caribbean sea shanty. That and the spoonerism is the title of track two – Bad Soy.

The vocals remind me of some of the lesser known songs from Finn Andrews (The Veils) and at times, especially on the track Blue Flag like early Billy Corgan (the Smashing Pumpkins).

The music is like a semi-acoustic throwback to the underground scenes of the 70’s and early 80’s. It’s not just the well balanced mixing, or the reverb style; it’s the way the songs tangentially deviate at times, taking the tempo right down just to end the song, or syncopate, like at the start of Money Talks. The way it sounds like it’s going to be similar to Nirvana’s In Bloom, but then the drums come in on a beat you’re not expecting, and the rest is an amazing reflection on the big city economy from the perspective of someone that’s seen the small town life. 

It’s an easy album to digest, with some memorable moments that deserve a re-listen. Recommended if you’re into something a bit different, yet still familiar, and people that miss the old style of music but also appreciate a modern twist.

The band are currently on tour, so if you need something to warm you up on these winter nights, you can find more details here.

You can find the band New Gum Sarn on Bandcamp, and the supermarket here. New Gold Mountain is available from JB HI-FI.