Brightblack Morning Light

Brightblack Morning Light isn't so much a band as it is an ideological choice. An amalgam of environmental convictions and Native American spiritual practices, BBML make music off the grid, literally. The swirling, resinous sounds of their second release Motion to Rejoin, reminiscent of both the harmonic blur of My Bloody Valentine and the acid folk of Jandek, were recorded using electricity exclusively generated from four solar panels.  

"With only four solar panels you are entirely dependent on how much the sun is shining," Nathan Shineywater says in his raspy drawl, the combined effect of a lower Alabama childhood and a superhuman weed-smoking regimen. "Electricity from coal and nuclear power is not good. I've been contemplating the concept of electricity coming from out of space."

Nomads and sustainable living enthusiasts, Shineywater and bandmate Rachael Hughes have been roaming the New Mexico wilderness for the past three years. Hitherto, they lived in the wilds of Marin County, just north of San Francisco, in a converted chicken coop, no less. "I was just in the city one day and I thought, man, this turmoil. BBML is a utopian concept of how we could live together. When you drop out and look, here in America you just see hate. It's important to reflect on the bigger picture. Wilderness is a perfect design."

With song titles like ‘We Share Our Blanket with the Owl' and ‘Hologram Buffalo', it's clear that BBML are influenced philosophically by their natural surroundings. Direct musical influences are less apparent. "I actually don't have a huge collection of records. I don't have much stuff in general. I don't believe in consumerism. But I'm from Alabama originally, so when I hear BBML I hear Alabama music. I think of Sun Ra. I think of Diana Ross. I think of the Supremes."

Nathan's recent solo side project, Berry Shadows, has the same languid grooves as BBML, but more abrasive guitars. "People have been saying that Berry Shadows is more punk. I would agree with that to some extent. But I would consider BBML to be a punk band. There's more of a punk notion in recording your album using only four solar panels than in having a rock-star mentality and bashing guitars around."

While BBML's live show may not be conducive to slam dancing, it promises to be unique. Before embarking on tour in support of their 2006 self-titled record, the band asked via the Matador Records website that fans bring crystals to their shows. "We'd also like input on any camping spots within or nearby the outer areas of your city," they wrote. They are also known to bring sticks and other woodland artifacts onto the stage, erecting small tipi-like structures, and Nathan admits to a penchant for singing with primitive hunting tools in his mouth. "When we come to Sydney I probably am going to be performing with an arrowhead in my mouth as a symbol of peace," he says. "But I promise to return it to where I found it." Joanna Lowry