I'm amazed that this is a new song. How this song didn't come out last decade is honestly a miracle. With new single "Bombay Beach," the Dead Century has reached some sort of Jack White-blue rock timeless transcendence.
One of the most straightforward ways to identify a song like this is by how dirty it is. Dirty, as in the-groove-is-so-gnarly-you-can't-help-but-make-a-stank-face-every-time-you-hear-it. Another way is in its sense of drunken wistfulness. This song has both in spades. Inspired by and describing Bombay Beach, CA (duh), it finds its own unique sense of place. Nick Check's storytelling has never been as potent as it is here. Narrative blurs with history in a drunken, loathing haze.
The band is in top form as a unit as well. The rhythm section of Robert Muehlbauer and John Paul Check play the game of restraint; it pays off in spades. Austin Peterson's lead guitar has never been filthier or nearly as robust. They all chug along, letting the intensity of their performances overcome the relative simplicity.
"Bombay Beach" is close to home - literally. The extremely-below-sea-level town is located near where the Check brothers grew up. It's also a song that uses the familiar to reel you in and captivate you. When I say it feels like I've heard the tune before, I mean it in the timeless yet new sense. It evokes a particular time and place and uses that sonic imagery like a grimy guitar pick.
Stream "Bombay Beach" below on Spotify or on the streaming service of your choice.
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