All-around mountain man Stephen McBean (the Vancouverite who fronts Black Mountain and also records as Pink Mountaintops) is well-suited to his projects’ names: His mop of unruly hair flows into a wild, prairie-brush beard, while his voice sounds like a gravelly, slightly inebriated Bob Dylan. Supported by Black Mountain bandmate Matthew Camirand and four other musicians, Pink Mountaintops’ upcoming album, Outside Love (out May 5 on Jagjaguwar), exudes a rustic, log-cabin charm similar to that of Bon Iver. The drowsy guitar melodies, mournful vocals and buttressing violin on first single “Vampire” would be a perfect complement to a night sleeping under the stars—if you can find an outlet for your iPod dock.
“Vampire” (download):
