Yet to simply dismiss the trio's distorted guitar fest would be to underplay an important aspect of the group's music. And that is the ability to understand the importance of the ebbs and flows that provide such contrast (and therefore impact) within songs.
Yesterday, guitarist-singer Tristan Dingemans, drummer Chris Livingston and Anaru Ngata (bass and guitar) released their self-titled debut album on independent Kiwi label Banished From The Universe. They celebrate that feat with shows in Wellington (last night), Auckland (tonight), Christchurch (on Friday, October 18) and at Sammy's, Dunedin, next Saturday, October 19.
Utilising the ears, expertise and equipment of Dunedin audio engineer/mixer/mastering maestro Dale Cotton, the band took more than a year to complete the album. That was not entirely intentional, Dingemans says.
''It was a long time in the recording. They are a pretty old bunch of tunes. But circumstances, including work commitments, meant we worked at a pretty glacial pace; it did take a while.''
Dingemans, former frontman of HDU, another Dunedin band with a reputation for sonic experimentation, describes the album as a ''happy mix'' between the concept of using the studio as a tool and documenting the songs as they would be done in a live context.
''There are definitely a lot more guitars on some songs than if we were playing live, but some songs have just one guitar. A lot of the tracks feature loops that I would do live anyway, but because you are able to multi-track things, they sound a lot cleaner.
''All of those songs were honed live. Dale is very savvy with his processing and gets great colour to his sounds. It was about going for beautiful versions of the songs but using the studio to explore different layering.''
The album could also be described as a celebration of the sonic potential of a three-piece and provides a salient point in the benefits of being sympathetic to one another's input. Although Dingemans often comes up with an initial idea, he is quick to credit the contributions of both Livingston and Ngata.
''You need to leave space in the music,'' he emphasises.
''We are getting better at that, allowing the drums to breathe. Take the track Ch'an Ra: Chris' drumming is just beautiful; he is so subtle; he has a wonderful touch.''
Now the album is out, it's a good excuse to hit the road and the stage. Dingemans can't wait to make some noise.
''We don't get to do it very often. It's wonderful. My most joyous moments are at gigs.
''Years ago, playing with HDU, I had this revelation that despite having taken a long time to get somewhere and feeling tired, it is about making the most of that hour and a-half on stage.
''If you are going to get up on stage, you have to justify being there. You can't pretend you don't care.
''I remember going to a Cure show and seeing Robert Smith glare at his keyboard player for fluffing a line. I thought, 'Well, he really cares'. That really inspired me. You have to make it worthwhile for people.''
Hear it, see it
Mountaineater performs at Sammy's, Dunedin, next Saturday, October 19, supported by The Fu King and Death And The Maiden. Mountaineater's debut self-titled album is out now.
