A week ago today, it was an eclectic bunch of fans that started queuing in the drizzle outside Rough Trade East as some faint chord changes could be heard drifting from inside the East London record store - the Black Angels treating fans with bits and bobs of their soundcheck.
The band recently released their fourth studio album, Indigo Meadow, and had travelled to Great Britain to preach their newest work, all the way from their hometown of Austin Texas. This was my first time seeing a band homegrown in the US, so I was curious to see if there would be any noticeable difference between them and the average London band, besides the music.
Lights were abruptly switched off and all that was left to illuminate the stage were a couple of dodgy ceiling lamps and the sea of flashing guitar pedals which adorned the stage. The band shuffled onto their platform, met by psychotic yowls from the crowd, but alas it wasn't to be their day of cooperation from the gear - bassist Christian Bland was quickly met by several 'technical difficulties' whilst everyone else stood and waited in awkward silence.
The band recently released their fourth studio album, Indigo Meadow, and had travelled to Great Britain to preach their newest work, all the way from their hometown of Austin Texas. This was my first time seeing a band homegrown in the US, so I was curious to see if there would be any noticeable difference between them and the average London band, besides the music.
Lights were abruptly switched off and all that was left to illuminate the stage were a couple of dodgy ceiling lamps and the sea of flashing guitar pedals which adorned the stage. The band shuffled onto their platform, met by psychotic yowls from the crowd, but alas it wasn't to be their day of cooperation from the gear - bassist Christian Bland was quickly met by several 'technical difficulties' whilst everyone else stood and waited in awkward silence.
A few minutes later, all problems fixed and ready to go. They jump straight in with 'You're Mine' and I soon realise they bring to us a sound very different to any other I've previously heard. A key factor of their music is the deep, echoey effect on the vocals which contrast with (lead) Alex Maas's high yelps and hollers. Effects on the guitar are used to the maximum extent, whilst everything is held together with Stephanie Bailey's constant, powerful beating on the drums. It's a very artificial yet natural sound which is created, and they have an aura that tells me from the get-go that they're not from around here.
A favourite off of Indigo Meadow, 'Don't Play With Guns' is played, along with tracks from past albums including 'Bad Vibrations' and 'Manipulation'. Fans show their appreciation through random howls and meows; "Got some tropical birds in here then?" chuckles Alex, so unusual are the sounds coming from the crowd. The band deliver a solid performance, keeping people dancing the whole way through.
This was one of their last UK shows for now, but fans needn't worry as the Black Angels will be making their return some time in September. No doubt they will bring back more of their grinding psychedelia and American swagger.
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