As the soundtrack to a "postapocalyptic surf film," Year Zero doesn't evoke memories of The Beach Boys, Dick Dale, or Jan & Dean, but rather a heavy metal/industrial pop band working through its angst. Nearly half the album features previously released material. "Wilderness Heart" is the title track to Black Mountain's last studio album, from 2010. "Bright Lights" (edited from 17 to 13 minutes) and "Tyrants" (cut by a minute) are from 2008's In the Future, while "Modern Music" is from its 2005 self-titled debut. As for new material, "Mary Lou" sounds as if the world is opening or ending until it breaks into a brutal, pounding rock 'n' roll track reminiscent of Sonic Youth. "Embrace Euphoria" creates a synth-influenced dirge where the narration sounds particularly ominous, courtesy of Amber Webber, who handles vocals on the new tracks. "Phosphorescent Waves" initiates a space-age druid folk music heavy on synths and growling fuzz-drenched guitars. "Breathe" drifts into shoegazer territory, presenting a gently glazed pop song for a closer.