17 Jun 2008, Written by Paul M Davis in music
The Black Angels Retread the Same Ground
ALBUM REVIEW: Having refined a signature doom-laden dirge, The Black Angels rose to prominence with 2006’s striking breakout Passover. Two years later, the Austin outfit is still channeling waves of feedback-drenched, portentous rock on their latest, Directions to See a Ghost, though the effect isn’t quite as powerful the second time around.
"Doves" mp3
The Black Angels break out of their well-defined sound at points, showing more rhythmic flair than seen on Passover, what was strikingly compelling on that album bears the mark of stasis on Directions to See a Ghost. The band does show some signs of progression—the lyrics are more affecting and personal than on the Vietnam War-themed Passover, and the swaths of far-out psychedelic guitar are applied much more liberally. And considering the disaster that was the hidden acoustic track on Passover, it’s a welcome surprise that they avoid acoustic meanderings here.
Without a doubt, The Black Angels have refined their drunken amalgam of Joy Division and Black Sabbath to a science. But considering how much promise band holds, it’s hard not to want the band to reach outside of its comfort zone more than it does here.
All the same, the band puts on a blistering live set. They’re on tour this summer, visit the band’s website for details.
1 Comments
March 14, 2009 4:19 am
Joe Chapman
What’s wrong with retreading the same ground if it’s good ground to retread?
Of course it’s all subjective but it seems to me that the reviewer here was expecting something that this band aren’t. Although Passover is a great album I personally listen to Directions To See A Ghost much more, I find it is different from Passover, it has more depth to it but The Black Angels aren’t a band for people who want traditionally written songs with clear lyrics and clearly set out parts for the songs. They are more about getting lost in the music, enjoying the comfort zone but even in this comfort zone there is plenty of darkness. Why shouldn’t the band write about the Vietnam war? It provided a good human theme which historically has crossed over into psychedelia before, it’s an odd contrast that works, war and peace, it fits in well with the influences of this band.
I disagree that they are more liberal with the psychedelic guitar, I think it’s more down to the production, Pass over was more upfront, this album has more contrast, things blend very nicely.
This sort of music is hypnotic, it flows well and takes the listener on a trip, the best way to do that is use lots of reverb, don’t make song structures too complicated, keep a groove, let things flow. The Black Angels are masters at doing this sort of thing. They are also brilliant live!
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