The Black Angels - 25 February 2023

I couldn't resist a Black Angels concert even in a standing crowded venue two days before a Catrin Finch gig. Those loud insistent dissonant guitars, the drones, the driving drums - what's not to like? It didn't disappoint. I've not kept up with some of the more recent releases and the personnel changes but that driving sound is still there and Chrsitian Bland's exquisite lead guitar still prominent. New to me was guitarist Jake Garcia who was also excellent and he took turns playing bass as well as guitar. Stephanie Morrel's drumming as forceful as ever and Alex Maas' distinctive vocals plus Ramiro Verdooren on bass/guitar/synth/harmonica made up the always full-on sound. They didn't waste any time and although the set was only 70 minutes, the extended encore took the gig to about 100 minutes long. And they finished with 'Young Men Dead' the first track off their first album which was always one of their best. Good stuff and on to Catrin Finch tomorrow.