The Black Angles
Bluebird Theater
Denver CO USA
June 14, 2008

Corporate-head obsolescence squeezes freedom from our psyche. Common sense is erased.
Prepare to love the competitive violence. Be the best soldier. Be the best junkie. Be
the lead runner. Be god. Grind each other to social pulp. The model army owns YOU.

Last evening the Black Angels were my pharmacist. Prick the vein, music drones the
brain. Flashing white light pulses to the beat. Background projection of sun drenched
mesas gave way to marching armies and Fat Man MUSHrooms. Indians danced as olympians
boxed and the world destroyed the world. Should any idea be accepted if the majority
agrees? Drone the lies away.

The Black Angels refer to their sound as "Native American Drone Rock and Roll." They
formed as a band in 2004 and took their name from the Velvet Underground's "The Black
Angel's Death Song." A Kodalith ortho Nico (Christa Päffgen) is their logo. They are a
tribe and live together on the Austin fringe, TX USA. Their psychedelica urges you
to "Turn On, Tune In, Drone Out." The founding members are Christian Bland (guitars)
and Alex Maas (guitars, keyboards, vocals). Other members include Stephanie Bailey
(drums, bass guitar), Kyle Hunt (guitars, drums) and Nate Ryan (bass guitar).

This Bluebird Theater show (33rd since March of the 2008 tour) included 2 sets. 11 back
to back songs plus a 2 song encore. In typical BA style the play is continuous with 
fills of looping drones or tribal drumming masking the guitar tuning for the next song.
Note: the drones are now created on-the-fly by Maas with a Farfisa Compact Duo keyboard
and several effects boxes including frequency oscillation. Viva-la analog. No more
computers! The integration of 2 keyboards in the mix added a super mellow tone to the
drone circa The Doors. The band looked road worn, but the show was first rate. 16mm
movie clips filled in the background void with visual messages.

My conclusion, substitute violence, materialism, fame and politico manifesto with music.
The encore imagery of honey production by "drone bees" eluded to show's sound and mood.
Close-ups of a pulsating bee's abdomen was in perfect time with the swirling beats.

In the May 9th Austin Chronicle Christian Bland commented, "We encourage you to rethink
your preconceived notions, question authority, and create other methods for survival."

Based on that mantra this evening was a complete success for me. I drove Colfax west
mentally rejunivated, physically tired. The show seemed sold-out, intense, but under
control. Weed was floating on the air. If the record label has brains enough to leave 
this band in free-fall we (the listeners) will reap a mind expanding experience. Give
them support. Attend shows and buy their stuff.

Set List
1.	Manipulation
2.	You on the Run
3.	Sniper at the Gates of Heaven
4.	Mission District
5.	Black Grease
6.	Deer-Ree-Shee
7.	Science Killer
8.	Young Men Dead
9.	The Return
10.	Surf City
11.	Never/Ever

Encore
1.	Better Off Alone
2.	Call To Arms

Thanks to Bardos Freedom for the tickets. May your mental and physical travels be
enjoyable. Glad to know you and hope to pass your trail soon. Adios.