The Black Angels are back with more neo-psych and fuzz-rock power.
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Rooted in ’70s psychedelia, the Black Angels are a quintet hailing from Austin, TX. They make some dark, heavy rhythms with accompanying video content. With a vocalist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, and organ player, they employ simple/trippy rhythms. There is a lot of noticeable tribal drumming as well as spiritual lyrical content. Some of the guitar work seems to be influenced by some classic sitar playing.
Highlights:
“Bad Vibrations” is the album opener and plays like a classic Black Angels tune. A dark, repetitive bass-line, awkwardly vibrating organ noise, and simple drumming. Alex Maas’ lyrics/vocals stand out above all else with a few classy, distorted guitar solos.
“Sunday Afternoon” is a sort of psych-pop tune which pretty much mimics the guitar warbling of the 13th Floor Elevators (Rocky Erickson is another definite influence).
“Telephone” is a two minute power track. Pure garage rock done right. Enough said.
“The Sniper” is the closer track. As the most psychedelic track on the album, it offers some nice guitar work and the usual, awesome vocal talent. It almost sounds like it could have spawned from some Fripp-influenced jamming.
RIYL Black Mountain, 13th Floor Elevators, the Vacant Lots (local), Arkon/Family
Chew On: 1, 4, 8, 9, 10 (whole album is solid)