Is there a point in writing a review when you can just hear the album right now streaming on MySpace? Probably not, and thus the inherent issues with music journalism in the digital age that have been discussed and analyzed ad infinitum. But seeing as The Black Angels have been one of my favorite bands ever since I heard their Light in the Attic eponymous EP, I feel like I should. This is a psych rock blog, so we’d be way fuckin’ remiss to not share some thoughts on a new joint from the 800 pound gorilla of the genre today. And I would argue our take is a little different anyway.

Case in point, a number of the early reviews have expressed the opinion, yes, this is a good album, but nothing different. Wrong, but thanks for playing. Sure, The Black Angels are not going to pull some sort of Kid A here, as they have their M.O. fully formed and realized – dusty guitars, Hammond organ, Echoplex soaked effects, a perfect facsimile of heavy ’60s rhythm and blues, and the uncanny ability to get dudes at their hometown shows to mosh at a psych rock showcase (see our SXSW coverage). However, Phosphene Dream is still categorically different than Passover and Directions. Alex Maas and company are no longer sharing their disturbing visions of war and snakes and bad trips from their desert vision quests – Phosphene Dream is, at various intervals, seeing these dark and damaged dudes throwing a super swinging beach party that J Spaceman may or may not be invited to. No lie – cue up “Telephone,” “Yellow Elevator,” and “Sunday Afternoon,” the latter of which resurrects the creative use of jug via fellow Austinites 13th Floor Elevator’s Easter Everywhere.

Phosphene Dream is much lighter fare. Dare I say fun it’s almost a funky adventure at times. You would think “Haunting at 1300 McKinley” would be some sort of shadow-laden lament a la “May the Circle Remain Unbroken.” But no, they’ve upped the rhythm and mood to match The Yardbirds more than the Elevators. Makes sense, this house may not exactly be haunted anyway.

That’s as good as any example for what makes Phosphene Dream remarkable. You expect one thing (sinister dirges like Passover’s “Black Grease”) but get another (the sunny swamp boogie cum epic eastern chant crescendo of the possibly mistitled “River of Blood”). It’s a deceiving record – meaning, it’s surprising. Predictability is the ultimate death rattle, and The Black Angels have proven they’re here for a while replete with tricks in sleeves. Perhaps even more important, The Black Angels have demonstrated a more distinct, sophisticated songwriting prowess. The Black Angles are no longer just prophets from the wrong time recreating niche rock and roll from the past – they’ve truly come into their own, shining brightest on the title track. Phosphene Dream is truly awesome.

Phosphene Dream is out tomorrow, and is available on their website in multiple packages. The $50 deluxe choice is actually a pretty good deal – high quality digital download, 180 gram vinyl, CD, signed silkscreen poster, and a hoodie. Not too shabby.

MP3 :::
The Black Angels – Phosphene Dream