In 1965 Pink Floyd brought us psychedelic music, philosophical lyrics and A Great Gig in the Sky.
Today, the modern substitutes that are The Black Angels, bring us acid trippiness, jangly tambourines and a psyche groove all of their own.
Their latest album Indigo Meadow was released Friday, and I have to say they have undoubtedly stepped it up a notch. This simple five piece with a distinctive Texas heritage bring us a dark and drowsy trip through an almost euphoric-sounding record.
Today, the modern substitutes that are The Black Angels, bring us acid trippiness, jangly tambourines and a psyche groove all of their own.
Their latest album Indigo Meadow was released Friday, and I have to say they have undoubtedly stepped it up a notch. This simple five piece with a distinctive Texas heritage bring us a dark and drowsy trip through an almost euphoric-sounding record.
Let's start with the details: 13 tracks and 56 minutes of pure drone-drenched psychedelic pop. In contrast to their last album, Phosphene Dreams, the Austin-made band have poured dark, oozing and backwards guitar riffs into a louder and heavier melody.
The band clearly have many influences. I would start by saying The Velvet Underground; not only a huge influence but the five pay a homage to their heroes by naming themselves after a song on the Nico album: 'The Black Angel's Death Song'.
Starting with Track 1: ‘Indigo Meadow’. This song sets the scene for the entire compilation. Catchy rhythms, eerie tones and cold lyrics initialise the creeping intensity.
Next up are 'Evil Things' and 'Twisted Light' which seem much more drowning in an abyss of darkness, as moments of silence contrast with sudden bursts of sound.
'Holland' brings us a complex and confusing sound with threads of Texas sewn right through. The slow bass and drums swim beautifully with an intense guitar riff wallowing in the undergrowth of simple beats.
Another artist that's clearly had a huge impact on the band's musical direction, would have to be former frontman of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett. Barrett was an original pioneer to that 60's sound the Angels strive to achieve and Christian Bland, lead guitarist has always been honest when stating Barrett's musical experiments were the reason he started the band.
The catchiest of the album by far has to be 'Don't Play With Guns'. The successful single, released some weeks ago, was a hit from day one. The sharp and straightforward lyrics create a great dance tune, perfect for a festival or a night club. The memorable track sets the scene for 'Broken Soldier', reinforcing the whole 'trebly guitar' feel. The upbeat tune reminisces the 60s nuggets compilations of British 'garage'.
'War On Holiday' is the shortest of the album and also my least favourite. Although lyrically I find it perhaps the most poetic, the long instrumentals over-ride any real meaning, unlike the rest of the album where the lyrics are allowed to speak.
In contrast to this, the track 'Black Isn't Black' contains a soft blues feel. Not a surprise, considering they toured with the bluesy rockers The Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Or it could simply be down to lead guitarist Christian Bland's huge love and respect for the timeless genre.
When comparing Indigo Meadow to its predecessor, it's easy to notice the difference. Phosphene Dreams was energetic and a more approachable listen. Indigo Meadow is slower, darker and rammed full of psychedelic wooziness; suggesting the five were hugely influenced by Jim Morrison's band, The Doors.
They clearly acknowledge a tradition of musical development, constantly evolving their far from ethereal sound.
The album is another classic chapter in the bands ongoing journey. Their infectious music is certain to make them currently one of the biggest psych-rock bands of the decade, whether they're making a political statement or screaming texan notes into the mic, they're one band you're sure not to forget.
Facts:
They have released four studio albums and one compilation album.
Touring partners have included the blues rock band The Black Keys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Warlocks, Roky Erickson, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Queens of the Stone Age, The Raveonettes, Wolfmother, and The Horrors.
