Song Stories: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds: Holy Mountain

'Holy Mountain' marked a complete change in direction for Noel Gallagher as a song writer. The first single from his third solo album 'Who Built the Moon' it made for a stark departure from what fans knew him for. The song embraced a whole new style, that showcased Gallagher's love  for glam rock, psychedelia, and David Bowie. Featuring a driving drum beat, pulsating bassline, and triumphant horns, the song is a far cry from the more measured sound of his previous solo records and the huge anthems of Oasis.

Noel Gallagher has often spoken about his creative process, and Holy Mountain emerged as one of the most immediate and instinctive tracks he had written. The song’s distinctive melody was inspired by a horn sample from 'The Chewin’ Gum Kid' by 60s artist Ice Cream, creating a retro yet fresh feel. According to Gallagher, as soon as he heard the melody, he knew he had something special. He has described Holy Mountain as one of his favorite songs he has ever written. 

Noel worked with David Holmes, (Northern Irish DJ and Producer) when writing and recording 'Who Built the Moon'. This collabration saw Noel take a whole new approach to making a record. All songs were written and recorded in the studio. He did not take anything that was fully formed into these sessions 

When interviewed about the song Gallagher said: "Holy Mountain is about your nearest and dearest, yeah. How it came about was, one of the first sessions we did, the hook line, the tin whistle thing that is like one of the most catchiest things in the world, is a sample from a track by a brilliantly titled band from the 60s called The Ice Cream, and a track called 'Chewing Gum Kid'(1968), don't try and Google it, it's beyond obscure, you'll never find it.

The song for many was too much of a departure from Noel's sound. However, critics seemed to really praise it for unashamedly upbeat energy and willingness to experiment. The song did become a staple of Noel's live show often being played as the shows opening track due to it's catchy hook and euphoric chorus. 

'Holy Mountain' was the first signifcant turn in Noel's solo career.  It was an example of his willingness to move beyond his comfort zone and embrace new musical influences. The bold production choices on the track foreshadowed the more experimental direction he would continue to explore in subsequent releases. The album that 'Holy Mountain' features on 'Who Built the Moon' saw more new musical terrority being explored. 

Tracks like 'Fort Knox' and 'It’s a Beautiful World' showcased the album’s futuristic and cinematic qualities, while songs like 'If Love Is the Law' and 'Be Careful What You Wish For' maintained a sense of classic Gallagher melody within an innovative framework.

The album even allowed Noel to look back to his youth. 'She Taught me How to Fly' is a shimmering, dance-infused anthem that blends indie rock with post-punk and new wave influences. The song features a driving rhythm section, airy guitar work, and a hypnotic groove that pays homage to Blondie and New Order.

Beyond 'Who Built the Moon?', Gallagher’s later projects have continued to showcase elements of psychedelia, electronic music, and expansive arrangements. Holy Mountain helped pave the way for a broader musical palette, proving that he is not content to rest on past successes but rather aims to constantly evolve as an artist.

With the release of songs like 'Black Star Dancing' and 'This is the Place' both of which are electronic influenced affairs. 'Black Star Dancing' was released as part of an EP of the same name. The song marked a significant departure from Gallagher's usual style, introducing more electronic elements and danceable grooves. It’s a catchy, up-tempo track that blends elements of electronic music with his signature melodic flair. The production is more experimental than his previous work, with the track leaning into a more 90s dance music influence, mixing beats with a somewhat psychedelic soundscape.

"This Is the Place" also appeared on the This Is the Place EP, released alongside "Black Star Dancing." While "Black Star Dancing" ventures into dance and electronic sounds, "This Is the Place" maintains a more familiar rock foundation, yet it still incorporates a fresh experimental edge. It features a strong groove with a slightly retro feel, reminiscent of 90s Britpop but with more mature, introspective lyrics.

This experimentation would not have been possible without the release of 'Holy Mountain'. It marked Noel's most significant musical change since he left Oasis in 2009.

Thank you for reading 

Jack