The Black Angels: Directions to See a Ghost (Light in the Attic)
7.5/10


There's been a steady wave of psych-rock revivalists in the past decade. Groups like The Warlocks, Dead Meadow and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have built audiences on loosely riffed guitars, a myriad of distorted effects and detached vocals that sound as if the band just rolled out of bed and hit "record." I enjoy those bands -- most of the time -- but I've always wanted something more than a slightly different take on Spacemen 3.

The Black Angels smuggled themselves into that genre with their debut, Passover, in 2006, only they've embraced something that neither of the aforementioned bands have -- pop melodies. On Directions to See a Ghost, The Black Angels give fans an album that feels freeing and colorful, and they could even teach their peers a thing or two.

It's not like the quintet ditched its sound on Directions to See a Ghost or backed off on the "black," the Angels just write songs that have direction and feel. If anything, they've simply tightened the screws and sprayed a little WD-40 on the axles, allowing the songs to widen and breathe. Tracks like "Doves," "You on the Run" and "Deer Ree Shee" all ride atop rhythmic guitar hooks that stretch for miles, which in turn makes their music driving and accessible.

Frontman Alex Mass deserves some serious kudos too. He delivers his stern, vibratoed sermon to perfection and sounds more confident than on previous efforts. It's that mix of dark, delayed guitar; the simple pounding of the toms; and Maas' sharp vocal lines that give the Black Angels an intense yet easygoing feel - something most of their peers could use.


-Scott McDonald



(Read Panasonicyouth's T4 Project album review, then climb Narrow Stairs with Bree's Death Cab for Cutie review.)