The Black Angels - Directions To See A Ghost

THE BLACK ANGELS are back with Directions To See A Ghost, the second full-length album from Austin s darkest droners. With tidal rhythms and rasping epics, Directions To See A Ghost is a driving, psychedelic mas­terpiece that churns through the album s 72 minutes and 11 tracks. This highly anticipated follow-up to the band s 2006 critically acclaimed debut will leave listeners buzzing. Product Description

The Black Angels are the real thing

Let me state upfront that I wasn't aware of the Black Angels until a friend of mine, who knows my musical tastes quite well, directed me to them with this, their second album. I would not be not disappointed. (I confess that I have not heard the band's first album, 2006's "Passover", yet at this time, but I will seek that out shortly.)

"Directions to See a Ghost" (11 tracks; 71 min.) starts off with a blast, "You On The Run", which at first reminds me immediately of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but then the song evolves. "Doves" kicks off with thundering drums, only to be joined by even more thundering guitars, awash in reverb, just great. "Science Killer" starts with a great bass line, and eventually works into a frenzy, just great. "Mission District" reminded me of early Pink Floyd (Syd Barret-era). The energy throughout the album is fantasic, shoe-glazing psychedelic-influenced music at its best (and it's not a coincidence that the Black Angels are now on the same label as Brian Jonestown Massacre). Other highlights for me include the hard-charging "Vikings" and the closer, a 16 min. epic "Snake In the Grass" which goes on forever, but you never want it to end anyway, fabulous. In all, this album is just great, and sure to make my "best of the year" list.

Please note that simultaneously with the album, the band released an EP "Black Angel Exit" (4 tracks; 24 min.), which you could get by pre-ordering the album, or now at the band's shows (which is where I got it). It is a great companion to (and in the same vein as) the album, with the 9+ min. title track as the highlight. I had the good fortune to catch the Black Angels in concert here in Cincinnati recently in support of the new album, and they were nothing short of fantastic, a delight for any fan of live music. Meanwhile, "Directions to See a Ghost" is HIGHLY recommended! June 28, 2008

Deep Chugging Bluesy Neo-Psych Genius!

'18 Years' might be the best song they've ever written, for one thing. But that aside, this album is an absolute, unadulterated masterpiece. I loved 'Passover'. This blows it out of the water. Deep chugging blues washed in some of the most profoundly cosmic feedback I have ever heard. I could sit here and go on and on and on... but just buy the album. Exalting, thrilling, and incredibly sexy...

RIYL: Dead Meadow, Black Mountain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Spacemen 3, The Warlocks (with whom I get to see them in a week!!!), Blood on the Wall (as in Mary Susan), The Verve June 20, 2008

awesome psychedelic stoner rock

reminds me of the first two Black Rebel Motorcycle Club releases... awesome music... just what I was looking for! June 18, 2008

great follow-up

I really enjoyed their first album and after two or three listens, I enjoy this one too. If you have not heard the first album or EP, the Black Angels play relatively heavy, bluesy, psychedelic yet catchy American rock.

Comparisons to everyone from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who they have toured with) to Velvet Underground to Spacemen 3 have been appropriately made. I don't think they sound like the latter two; the Angels' music is not nearly as raw or noisy. However, you can definitely hear how they influenced their unique update of those classic sound.

If you are a fan of their first record (or their awesome live show), definitely pick this up. So far, there is not a single song as immediately catchy as "The First Vietnamese War" but the overall song quality might be an improvement from their debut LP.

They are touring with the Warlocks, which is an incredibly appropriate pairing. Psyched! June 4, 2008

Amazing and Trippy

I really liked The Black Angels first album Passover. This album is even better. It is much more far out then their fist album and the sound quality is great. The last song on the album is over 16 minutes long which is pretty cool and their use of feedback in You In Color works nicely. As I write this its at number 16 in the psychedelic category of music here on Amazon putting it above several classics (even if it is just for a few days its still a bragging right isnt it?). Its a classic of my generation and I hope they will continue what they are doing. May 20, 2008

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