The press release for The Black Angels’ new mini-album heralds the band as something of trailblazers in the evolution of modern psychedelia. It’s a bit of a stretch. The truth is, the Texan band remains far too indebted to the psych sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s to take seriously any talk of them as pioneers. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, though. Given some serious songwriting nous and at least a modicum of originality, revivalist groups can be as relevant and vital as anything else on the music landscape. But the thing is not to call it anything other than what it is.
Clear Lake Forest kicks off with two sun-drenched cuts of vintage garage-psych. Sunday Morning and Tired Eyes both recall the moment bubblegum pop was given a psychic overhaul by LSD. Lead single Diamond Eyes finds the hazy croon of Alex Maas at its best, weaving an affecting melody over a few simple chord changes. An Occurrence at 4507 South Third Street is even better, with its toe-tapping organ and pulsing beat.
The only let down is closer Linda’s Gone. The song is far too overt a nod in the direction of the band’s heroes The Velvet Underground (The Black Angels derive their name from a VU song). Homage is fine, but Linda’s Gone verges on mimicry. Maas does his best Lou Reed impersonation, chronicling the downfall of a misguided dreamer. Then there’s the stabbing lead guitar, which not so much recalls The Velvet Underground’s Run, Run, Run but almost lifts the notes wholesale from Reed’s fretboard.
Forgetting this misstep, Clear Lake Forest is an otherwise highly enjoyable excursion into a world that, while leaning heavily on the sounds its forebears, absolutely manages to stand on its own feet.
BY WAYNE MARSHALL
Best Track: An Occurrence at 4507 South Third Street
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, PINK FLOYD (SYD BARRETT ERA), THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE
In A Word: Revivalist