The Black Angels
Clear Lake Forest
July 22 2014 (Blue Horizon)
9/10
Words: Leanne Crowley
'Clear Lake Forest' is the latest offering from the ever mutable Black Angels. The eagerly anticipated release follows in the wake of 'Indigo Meadow' which was set loose on the world in all its glory over a year ago.
The album opens with ‘Sunday Evening', the real punchy track of the pack with the raw, empowered vocals that are characteristic of Alex Maas present very early on; the rolling dual guitar riffs driving the tempo, with drone machine adding depth. It's nicely upbeat feel sets the mood for the rest of the album; it is certainly not a disappointing start after their leave of absence.
‘Tired Eyes' is overall more mellow despite the strong drum presence, the organ sound is less prevalent but the guitars and bass of Kyle Hunt and Jake Garcia are brought into focus to compensate. Hot on its heels follows ‘Diamond Eyes', possibly the strongest track on the album with its haunting and reverberating vocals accompanied by shoegaze-esque guitars and the driving drums yet again in control. The balance of elements is almost perfect in its execution here, and their prowess as a band is as finely tuned as it could possibly be.
‘The Flop' is governed by the organ sound stealing the show at the opening of the track before the percussion of Stephanie Bailey bites and doesn't let go. The vocals reverb once more and the whole track finished off with an abrupt ending - which brings the 'always leave them wanting more' adage to mind as certainly you wish it would go on longer.
‘An Occurrence At 4507 South Third Street' is probably one of the more bizarrely named psych tracks you are likely to come across. No less brilliant than any of its predecessors, the lyrics are very Black Angels - "going down with a gun in my hand" - well there had to be a reference in there somewhere. The guitar shines through strongly here and the repeating organ melody adds an overly rhythmic effect to the song.
Penultimate track ‘The Executioner' has been circuiting the psych scene for some time already this year with its lazy repetitive drum and guitar duet opening. Maas' vocal range is displayed well here and the increase of tempo in patches keeps things consistently interesting. The track builds in the centre before returning to the intro tempo once more to close. "If it feels good, do it again", we are told, and this is a song that certainly will be 'done again' through repeated plays, I am sure.
As they draw to a close with ‘Linda's Gone' - which is also the longest track on the album - it opens with a different feel to the preceding tracks with spaghetti Western-style guitars, and what sounds suspiciously like a violin, accompaniment. The lengthy instrumental sections are a change of tact for The Black Angels, and yet so well orchestrated that it is easy to see why they receive such credit: their music has a versatility which will never grow old.
The Black Angels set the bar high for themselves after previous releases, and it was easy for many fans to wonder where they would go next - and if they could possibly improve on 'Indigo Meadow'. I think the answer is undoubtedly clear in what they have produced on 'Clear Lake Forest'.
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