The Black Angels Shake Things Up

By Brady Bredell
Contributing Writer

In 2008, The Black Angels shocked the world with “Directions to See a Ghost,” one of the most well-received indie releases in years. The album was so brilliantly crafted that it left fans wondering if the boys from Austin, Texas could ever release a comparable follow-up.While their latest effort, “Phosphene Dream” is impressive, musically speaking it is no “Directions to See a Ghost.”

The overall vibe of the new record is more upbeat and groovable, which may or may not tickle your fancy. Remnants of the dark sound contained on their 2008 album can still be heard scattered throughout the album, but in a limited manner.

Most noticeable is the increased presence of a late-1960s psychedelic sound.

Inevitably, comparisons will be made to The Doors and The Velvet Underground.
Opening “Phosphene Dream” is “Bad Vibrations,” a trippy stoner rock tune with a darker edge than the majority of the album. Constant guitar distortion over a Black Sabbath-influenced bass riff make for a truly psychedelic listening experience. The instrumental of this track showcases the true diversity of The Black Angels and the depth of their sonic arsenal.

The second cut on the album, “Haunting at 1300 McKinley,” immediately jumps into a danceable beat that will surprise long-time fans. The Black Angels aren’t necessarily known for writing music to groove to, but if anyone can do it in a hip way, it’s them. The recurrence of danceable tracks on the new record will draw praise from some and criticism from others. Either way, The Black Angels are trying something new; and why shouldn’t they? Check out this track.

The highlight of “Phosphene Dream” is the title track, a dark whirlwind of   thundering bass riffs and progressive drum beats. “I need no pills to kill.

Hallelujah!” proclaims frontman Alex Maas, “I need no pills to kill. Raise the rifle.”

From beginning to end, this is one of the most compelling and innovative songs in the The Black Angels catalog. It’s also worth noting that the group claims this track “describes kaleidoscopic visions,” whatever that means.

As trends and fads come and go over the years, rarely can a group or artist capture the essence of an era as effectively as The Black Angels. With “Phosphene Dream,” they take their style to the next level and leave no stone unturned along their path of nostalgic glory.

Longtime fans will dig the majority of this album while newcomers will likely get sucked into the hype surrounding this versatile five-piece.

Either way, “Phosphene Dream” is easily one of the best albums released this year and deserves your full attention. Buy it today.

Recommended for fans of: The Doors, Black Sabbath, The Velvet Underground and The White Stripes.

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If You Go

What: Black Angels
Where: Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis
When: Thurs, Oct 26, 8pm
Info: 612.604.0222