Psych Out: The Black Angels

Founded in 2008 as a small gathering of psychedelic rock enthusiasts, The Austin Psych Fest has developed into an international hub for people in search of mind-bending music. In the past six years, the Austin Psych Fest has grown to feature leading artists of experimental and innovative rock. This year, a kaleidoscope of bands, including The Black Angels, Warpaint, Deerhunter, and Os Mutantes, played to a dancing crowd of devoted fans. Interview joined the festivities and traveled to Austin to document and interview some of our favorite bands—including the founding fathers of the festival, The Black Angels; the “dark-tropical” California natives The Growlers; and a pioneer of experimental music, Simeon Coxe of Silver Apples. Keep an eye out for our video interviews all week long.

The Black Angels formed in Austin, Texas in 2004 and have, in the near decade since then, become forerunners of contemporary psychedelic music. With unwavering dark undertones and old-school rock attitude, they evoke a musical nostalgia hearkening all the way back to the Doors. Still, they’re not afraid of modern innovation, relying upon confident vocals, driving drumbeats, and dynamic, sensual guitar riffs. With a fourth album, Indigo Meadow, under their belt and a series of UK and European tour dates taking them through the fall, the Black Angels take listeners on a journey surging with electricity. Enjoy the ride.

FOR MORE ON THE BLACK ANGELS, PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.