Michael Beach: Big Black Plume [Album Review]

Michael Beach
Big Black Plume
Poison City/Goner Records [2025]

“With Big Black Plume, Beach dives deep into a vast, experimental soundscape that demands attention—and multiple listens.”

Album Overview: Michael Beach, a Melbourne-based musician originally from California, brings over two decades of experience in songwriting, performing, and production to his fifth studio album, Big Black Plume. Known for his solo work and contributions to various projects, Beach’s career spans across grassroots music scenes in Melbourne, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. A multi-talented figure, he has worked as an engineer, producer, and guest musician. On Big Black Plume, he teams up with Gareth Liddiard of Tropical Fuck Storm, who co-produces the album. This partnership brings a dynamic, expansive sound that marks a bold departure from Beach’s previous work. The album captures a broad sonic range, from textured ballads to spiraling rock anthems. It’s a bold, risk-taking record that demands multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth and range.

Musical Style: The album is a mix of rock, minimalism, and avant-garde influences, tinged with psychedelia. From stripped-back ballads to expansive cosmic pieces, Big Black Plume dives into experimental territory while staying rooted in traditional rock. The collaborations bring in acoustic bass, abstract percussion, and experimental overdubs that add texture and variety. The tone ranges from somber and introspective to driving and energetic, giving the record a versatile feel that keeps listeners engaged.

Evolution of Sound: On Big Black Plume, Beach moves away from his earlier, more intimate sound and embraces a wider, more collaborative approach. With contributions from talented musicians across multiple genres, this album is a true blend of rock, folk, and experimental sounds. It marks a significant shift in Beach’s evolution as an artist, moving from solo work to a more communal, expansive project. The album also reflects Beach’s deeper connection to the natural world and his musical community, bringing a heavier emotional weight to his sonic experiments.

Artists with Similar Fire: If you’re a fan of Tropical Fuck Storm, Dirty Three, or Comets on Fire, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Big Black Plume. The album shares a similar experimental rock ethos, with sprawling sonic landscapes and intricate layers. There are echoes of minimalist pioneers like Tony Conrad and Terry Riley, as well as a reflective, folk-influenced sound akin to Bill Fay. The rock moments sometimes bring to mind The War On Drugs, while the cosmic and avant-garde influences align Beach with artists like Ryley Walker, Bill Orcutt, The Necks, and Oren Ambarchi.

Pivotal Tracks: “Poison Dart” and “Sick Century” drive the album with punchy, rock-driven energy. “No One Knows Any Better,” which spans over nine minutes, takes the listener on an slower experimental journey, showcasing Beach’s adventurous side with its abstract, layered sounds. Meanwhile, the minimalistic “I’m Gonna Need Ya” offers a moment of emotional depth. “The Sea,” featuring Mick Turner, opens the album on a strong note, blending traditional rock with ambient, experimental tones that set the stage for the diverse sonic palette of the record.

Lyrical Strength: Beach’s lyrics on Big Black Plume are reflective and urgent, tackling themes of human impact on the environment and the transience of life. His songwriting is often abstract but poignant, capturing a deep sense of reflection on existential concerns. Tracks like “The Sea” and “Poison Dart” express a complex connection to the world, blending environmental consciousness with a yearning for lasting community and collaboration.

Final Groove: Big Black Plume stands as Michael Beach’s most ambitious and collaborative work yet. It’s a record that pushes boundaries while maintaining a raw, human energy. The fusion of experimental elements with traditional rock forms creates an album that feels both familiar and entirely new. With Gareth Liddiard’s production providing a bold sonic backdrop, the album showcases Beach’s willingness to take risks and experiment with new sounds. For fans of adventurous rock that doesn’t shy away from risk, Big Black Plume is an album that will reveal more with each listen. It’s a captivating look at the power of collaboration, marking a new chapter in Beach’s career, and leaves us excited to see where his sonic exploration will take him next.

MICHAEL BEACH LINKS
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Poison City Records | Goner Records