Brian Panowich’s debut Bull Mountain begins in 1949, and we are in pure redneck territory – rural Georgia. A murderous feud between two brothers has lasting repercussions and by 2015 matters are hardly any better in the Burroughs family. This is a family drama set inside an account of organised crime, which in turn sits within a framework of rural isolation and ancient grudges. Southern noir, for sure. Throw in that staple of violence and intimidation – the Hell’s Angels – and we have an unflinching look at a society which thrives on almost medieval brutality, yet can flourish while surrounded by modern sensibilities and codes of conduct. Read Andre Paine’s full review.
