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FeedThe Black Angels steal the show
Much hype surrounded last Saturday’s show at the Tralf, featuring Black Mountain and The Black Angels. The show definitely lived up to it.
Since I am really into the psychedelic sounds of the 60s, many people have told me that I would adore The Black Angels. So I listened, but I can’t say I was immediately blown away. Fast forward to two weeks ago when I caught a commercial for a video game on television, its underpinnings some of the sweetest psychedelic drones heard since the days of the Velvet Underground. I quickly went onto the web to see what was what, and it turned out the tune belonged to the Black Angels.
The Black Angels started their mind-blowing set with only a half-packed Tralf, but by the time they ended the floor was packed with greasy-haired, black t-shirt wearing hipsters (the good kind) doing that “I’m-too-cool-to-headbang-but-I-kinda-wanna” move that let the rest of us know they dug what was going on.
Though the whole band’s performance was nothing short of brilliant, the echoing vocals of singer Alex Maas and awe-inducing guitar work of Christian Bland is what turned me into an Angel believer. Playing tunes from all three of their LPs, the Austin, Texas-based rockers showed their incredible songwriting range and dedication to their respective crafts.
This was one of those shows where, even though I didn’t know every name or word to every song, I was still into every second of it. The hazy lighting and strobes might have been enough to sober up Edie Sedgwick had she been there in body and not in image, her likeness plastered on The Black Angels’ drum kit.
Once the show was over, I saw a fan approach guitarist Christian Bland and hand him a vinyl copy of the band’s latest LP, Phosphene Dream. Bland was then a man on a mission, bobbing and weaving through the curtain, hopping on and off the stage trying to get his band mates to sign this kid’s record. Impressed by Christian Bland’s dedication to his fans, I approached him and complimented his guitar’s tone and excellent taste in Rickenbacker guitars. We had a nice discussion and he even confessed, “I am the guy constantly typing ‘Rickenbacker lefty’ into eBay and hoping for the best.” Being a man who has owned many of these fine instruments, I understand his addiction. He also shared with me that his most prized possession was not on stage because it is too valuable to tour with. It’s a John Lennon version of the instrument.
After speaking briefly with Bland, it was easy to see how down to earth and dedicated to the cause of making music he and his band mates really are. Seldom do you see such talented musicians tearing down their own gear and rolling up cables at the end of the show.
Black Mountain had a very hard act to follow, but as expected, they did it well. The crowd was really into their unique sound. The guitar solos were reminiscent of the hair-metal era’s finest, but in a groovy way. Although I obviously enjoyed The Black Angels performance more, but Black Mountain’s skill and stage presence was applause-worthy.
If you missed this show, you lost out because a double act of this caliber plays in Western New York so very rarely. I highly encourage everyone to go out and/or download each of the Black Angels' three magnificent albums. No matter what your musical poison is, you’ll find hints of it somewhere among their discography.
