YET another outstanding performance took place on William’s Green stage at Glastonbury- in a tent with no camera, ignorance is absolutely bliss. And when cult psychedelic band The Black Angels were added to the bill, it was a band we just couldn’t miss.
For those that haven’t heard of them, this rock act have released five albums, three e.p’s and six singles. A good-sized crowd formed in the tent for the band and as they walk out onto the stage the male/female outfit look as though nothing matters except here and now.
Kicking straight into their latest single Don’t Play With Guns, a wall of fuzz belts out from the speakers. It’s immediately obvious this band should be a lot bigger than they are right now, their live sound is huge and it’s when their record really comes to life.
Alex Maas’ voice is different to your usual psych bands- it’s got a slight whine to it with a touch of distortion that works perfectly as he sings the chorus “don’t play with guns, don’t play with guns.”
A heavy distorted bass starts the grove of Black Grease from first album Passover. It really grabs your attention to the point you are not thinking of anything else going on around you. A Black Angels daze, if you will. The daze might also have something to do with the blinding lights that are pounding into your pupils perfectly in-sync with The Black Angels sound.
Yello Elevator starts with a chilled-out bass and repetitive drum beat before a fuzzy toned guitar starts which is backed by a hypnotic organ. This is perfectly-placed in the energetic set and gives the crowd a chance to really take in the movement and technique of the band.
The slow paced Evil Things is next with lyrics that just roll of the tongue of Bland. You On The Run continues the grove with its reverb sound and followed by I Hear Colours which has a Doors and Coral feel to it.
As the pounding drums organ and maracas all mix together amazingly, and lyrics at the chorus remind me of James Skelly.
The band leave no gaps in-between songs, proving it’s all about music. Broken Soldier starts straight after the last song lead by the floor tom and wah guitar, “it’s hard to kill when you don’t know what side your on” is the chorus before a huge burst from the guitar does its best to overwhelm you. It really is attention grabbing and its not finished yet as they start with the guitar picking of young men dead before the song kicks in with massive sound around.
I’m finding its impossible to not nod and smile while listening to this yet the band still looking as if its nothing, effortless even. And after five outstanding albums, maybe it is. To end the nine track set is the classic Bad Vibrations- a favourite Black Angels tune and live it is just mind blowing.
We all left the William’s Green tent all in total agree. The black angels, one of the major highlights of the festival and it is only Friday.
By Neal Mcharg
