Bit of a blindside here but I guess that kind of thing can’t be helped. On the eve of Witch Mountain releasing Mobile of Angels, their third album since coming back in 2011 with South of Salem (review here), vocalist Uta Plotkin has announced her intention to leave the band following their upcoming fall US tour with Nik Turner’s Hawkwind and Hedersleben. Plotkin, whose bluesy singing style and powerful delivery has greatly helped the Portland outfit further their doomly cause these last three years, will leave a significant void in the front of the stage, though Witch Mountain have stated their intention to continue anyway, guitarist Rob Wrong and drummer Nate Carson having started the band together in the late ’90s and released the full-length Come the Mountain in 2001 before a 10-year break.

I’m loath to pilfer news from anyone — and feel inclined to acknowledge the irony that the story broke via Revolver, whose “the hottest chicks in metal” undermines the legitimacy of singers like Plotkin and other players more or less every time it’s published — but this is a big story and worth spreading, considering that any change of frontperson is bound to have a sizable impact on the personality and style of Witch Mountain as a whole. It will be interesting to see what and who they come back with, but as they rightly point out, Witch Mountain was a band before Plotkin, so it’s not unreasonable to think it can be a band after. If anyone at Revolver is pissed at the cut and paste, I apologize, but at least I gave credit and linked back to the original story.

Obviously, best of luck to Plotkin on her next endeavor, whatever that may be, and to Witch Mountain for the reconstruction process. Text from Revolver, plus the tour dates:

Frontwoman Uta Plotkin to Leave Witch Mountain after Release of New Album, ‘Mobile of Angels’

Witch Mountain’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Mobile of Angels,’ and their summer shows with Nik Turner’s Hawkwind will be their last record and tour, respectively, with lead singer Uta Plotkin. The new album will be unleashed by Profound Lore Records in North America September 30, and via Svart Records in Europe and beyond. ‘Mobile of Angels’ was produced by producer Billy Anderson, tracked and mixed in Type Foundry studios Portland, OR.

“It’s been a rewarding experience being in Witch Mountain,” says Plotkin, who joined the group in 2009. “I’ve met many wonderful people and helped make a lot of great music but after three albums I feel it’s time for me to move on to new projects, musical and otherwise. My creative spirit has always been a restless one. I hope our fans continue to enjoy our music and support Witch Mountain in its future incarnations.”

“We love and support Uta in whatever direction her life takes her,” the remaining members of Witch Mountain comment. “Our collaboration with her over the last five years, three albums, and hundreds of shows has been a privilege. But the band existed long before we met her and will continue into the future. Somewhere in this wide world is a voice with the talent and ambition to help Witch Mountain continue to improve as we have with each new release and passing year. Someone (male or female) will eventually send us a demo that brings us to tears. Until then, we remain focused on our final tour with Uta, and promoting our brand new album. Thanks to all for your support.”

If you want to catch Uta Plotkin with Witch Mountain on stage, please mark your calendar because this is your last chance:

NIK TURNER’S HAWKWIND + WITCH MOUNTAIN + HEDERSLEBEN
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2014

Tue 8/26 – Oakland, CA – Uptown
Wed 8/27 – Los Angeles, CA – Viper Room
Thu 8/28 – San Diego, CA – Casbah
Fri 8/29 – Tucson, AZ – Hotel Congress
Sat 8/30 – Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad
Mon 9/01 – Austin, TX – Red 7
Tue 9/02 – New Orleans, LA – Siberia
Wed 9/03 – Birmingham, AL – Bottletree
Thu 9/04 – Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone Cafe
Fri 9/05 – Lafayette, GA – Meltasia Fest
Sat 9/06 – Raleigh, NC – Hopscotch Fest*
Sun 9/07 – Richmond, VA – Strange Matter
Mon 9/08 – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
Tue 9/09 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot and Saddle
Wed 9/10 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thu 9/11 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
Fri 9/12 – Boston, MA – Middle East
Sun 9/14 – Montreal, QC – Il Motore
Mon 9/15 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison
Tue 9/16 – Rochester, NY – Bug Jar
Wed 9/17 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
Thu 9/18 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
Fri 9/19 – Rock Island, IL – RIBCO
Sat 9/20 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club*
Sun 9/21 – Saint Paul, MN – Turf Club
Mon 9/22 – Winnipeg, MB – Pyramid Cabaret*
Tue 9/23 – Saskatoon, SK – Vangelis Tavern
Wed 9/24 – Calgary, AB – Palomino
Fri 9/26 – Vancouver, BC – Venue (early evening show)
Sat 9/27 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
Sun 9/28 – Portland, OR – Star Theater

*no Hedersleben

https://www.facebook.com/witchmountain
http://witchmountain.bandcamp.com/
https://www.profoundlorerecords.com/

Tags: Mobile of Angels, Oregon, Portland, Profound Lore Records, Uta Plotkin, Witch Mountain, Witch Mountain Mobile of Angels

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