I like this record. The sound flows, rearranges itself, and drifts on by. Stilluppsteypa have their trademark humor included on here (particularly on the B Side). Even the artwork, a massive explosion of color, referencing the 60s, feels appropriate. “Big Shadow Montana” I would assume refers to the giant nature of the sound and size of the pieces.
Side one appears to be the slightly more conventional piece. Occasionally you hear snippets of environment sounds through the gradual build-ups. Turn up the volume and you hear new pieces bleeding through the drones. In particular I heard what sounded like opera singing, though I could be entirely wrong. You can listen to this in any context though some familiarity with Stilluppsteypa’s work might be helpful.
The second half is more playful, particularly in the middle half. While there, you’re treated to a kitschy yet cute coda. Right when you think it is about to cut out (a technique they employ on a lot of the record). I like the background pieces which always seem poised to overtake yet never quite do. A tease like this gives the record a degree of tension. For me I enjoy the tension they employ on the whole album.
Big Shadow Montana is a sprawling, deeply weird work. Due to the oftentimes quiet nature of the pieces, I’d recommend listening to later in the day with big headphones. Put the volume up too and just get lost in it.