In UFO folklore, a Big Black Delta is a massive triangular aircraft. There have been sightings of these mysterious ships since the 1980’s, even by Dan Akroyd himself. Yes, Ray the Ghostbuster. It’s true. Recently, a certain Big Black Delta has been seen in LA night clubs. This one isn’t from outer space, but it makes music that’s been considered “otherworldly” to those California club goers.
In this case, “it” is the drum and synth heavy project from Jonathan Bates, perhaps better known as the bassist and vocalist of Mellowdrone. While Bates caters to a lofi indie-rock crowd with Mellowdrone, his solo project gives him the opportunity to experiment with a darker electronic sound. Big Black Delta’s latest single “Betamax” is the perfect representation of his new venture. Check it out below.
In a live setting, Bates moves around the stage like a young Iggy Pop, and is accompanied by two female drummers. Big Black Delta’s music has been appropriately compared to electronic acts like The Knife and M83. The latter even worked with him on the “Fall” remix, featured on Daft Punk’s Tron Legacy R3CONF1GUR3D. BBDLP1, the aptly titled debut album of Bate’s goth solo project was released last month, and can be downloaded here. The LP’s stand out track, “Huggin And Kissin”, can be streamed below.
