The Black Angels are the best modern band to exhibit psychedelic rock at its finest. Taking a page from their namesake band, The Velvet Underground - as well as influences like The Doors, and the indie rock scene - The Black Angels have a driving energy and melodic sound of chaos that is addictive and intoxicating like a shot of pure, dark adrenaline. For their show at the Bottleneck last night the band unleashed the fury of heaven and hell on a sold-out crowd of die-hard fans and music lovers of Lawrence.
Even in their individuality, The Black Angels hold qualities reminiscent of old psychedelic rock bands of the late 60s, without sounding entirely similar to any one in particular. The band's original take on indie rock and psychedelia is something to behold. Buzzing guitar noise, chords on the keys and energetic drums set the background for intricate, flowing melodies and catchy riffs on bass and guitar and haunting vocals. The five band members all have different parts for different songs, switching between percussion, bass, guitar, keys and vocals. Their mastery of the various instruments is so complete that regardless of the song, the Austin, Texas band's performance is remarkably sharp. If ever there was a time to click on the links and listen as you read, this is that time.
Openers L5 and Sunni did a good job warming up the crowd and demonstrated their joy at sharing the stage with The Black Angels. Finishing their set at about 10:30 p.m., Sunni left the crowd with a sound that, noise aside, was fairly different from the headliner's more rugged and harmonic style. Still, throughout the second openers' set the dance floor was entirely full of standing fans, eager for music.
Beginning their set at 11 p.m. with fan favorites "Bloodhounds On My Trail," and "Sniper at the Gates of Heaven," The Black Angels received roaring approval from an overflowing Bottleneck. Fans of the band, the scene and the openers completely clogged the medium-sized venue. The Bottleneck opened their second, backup bar to accomodate the crowd, but even with folks stacked on the bleachers, rails, booths and standing butt-to-gut through the dancefloor, there was hardly enough room.
Exhibiting the various sounds that fit within their unique style, The Black Angels went from the blues-infused "Bloodhounds On My Trail," to the grungey, garage-rock sound of "Black Grease,". The band played old favorites off their oldest album, "Passover" as well as their new album "Phosphene Dream" including their latest single, "Telephone." Fans of the bands music cannot afford to miss a live show. This band's sound, while glorious in recordings, is even more satisfying to hear live, with the jams, the lights and the fans all around.
The Black Angels' infamously epic live shows suit their style of music, including a trippy, black-and-white backdrop, illuminated by flashing, blinking and blinding strobe lights and colorful spotlights. Rocking out with loud guitar noise, chords on the keyboard, driving drum rhythms and climactic guitar and bass lines, the band's roaring sound left fans ears ringing long after the encore.
The Austin band's reputation precedes them, as a musical force to be reckoned, The Black Angels have played with The Warlocks, The Black Keys, Queens of the Stone Age and The Raveonettes. As headliners they bring more than enough energy and musical prowess to satisfy even the harshest critic. Last night's show may have been one of the most thrilling and appreciated concerts in Lawrence this year.
Even after a full hour of ear-blasting rock, The Black Angels' fans were not yet ready to call it a night. After a lengthy cheer for more, the band obliged with a full encore of three songs, which the fans adored. As a collective group of wide open ears, every moment of dark, psychedelic euphoria was absorbed by the crowd with avid fascination. If the band had gone on playing, there is no doubt th crowd would have remained all night, but at the cost of their hearing. Fans of old-school psychedelic rock have to see this show to believe it, do not miss your next chance to catch The Black Angels!
Now for Previews:
Monday, Shpongle will be playing at the Granada. More specifically this will be "The Shpongle Experience" tickets at the door will cost $23.50, but anyone who can afford this and is free to rage it like an animal on Monday night should check this out!
Thursday the Jerry Pranksters: Grateful Dead Tribute Band will jam at the Jazzhaus, doors open at 10 p.m. Dead Heads rejoice!
Friday will be FINAL Friday, so the entire student population of Lawrence will be torn between their instincts to party and their scruples about studying. No doubt downtown will be swarming with party people. The best bet for a good time this Friday? Look no further than Somasphere and The Floozies at the Granada! $8 in advance, $10 at the door, this show will be well worth it. This will be where the party is at, guaranteed.
This weekend is going to be crazy, so stay safe and have fun! Hope to see you out there!
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