Essays

Spirituality of The Black Angels

By Johnny Beloved ⋅ February 11, 2007 ⋅  forward to friend ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

I’ve been long overdue on writing a post about music that is special to me. But before I get started, let me explain that the music I love is more than entertainment or some mere thing that I dance to, or rock out with, or Christine Aguilera. Music is not Aguilera. There is a place for Aguilera, just not in my life. Music is responsible for my creativity, my spirituality, and even my conscience at some points. And it’s to that end that I search for music that touches my soul.

You’re A Storm. So Emotional.

Most of my favorite bands follow a certain profile. They’re usually introduced to me by a friend, and I most always hate them at first. My love for a band that’s destined to become a favorite is grown slow. The Black Angels are no exception. When you first listen to them, it’s easy to dismiss them as cliché, or regurgitated. More than likely, you’ll compare them to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or even The Doors, and maybe some variation between. The droning vibe of a 70s band combined with political, as well as emotional lyrics. The Black Angels, in my opinion, are history repeating itself. But I’ll get to that.

Slow, You Kept Me In That Storm

Unlike B.R.M.C., The Black Angels are relentless. Their songs are continuous thunderclaps of intense musical beauty. It may take you awhile, but you’ll soon find yourself caught up in the psychedelic spiritual wonder that comprise Passover. And Christian or not, this band drives me into spiritual awakenings. The crushing bass, the droning machine, the reverb…it’s all about the vibe, man. In the vein of Brian Jonestown Massacre, B.R.M.C., The Black Keys, The Warlocks, The Black Angels can’t help but grab you by the balls and convince you that yes, there is something wrong with the world. And yes, it is our job to do something about it.

They’re the frigging Pied Piper of Hamelin. They’re trying to lead us away from hell. A hell we’ve made for ourselves here on earth. Which brings me to my last point.

And You Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill. Anything You Want.

Last night was the second time I’ve had the pleasure, nay, the joy of seeing this band live in concert. Their music was permeating. It seeps into your skin and bones like a warm blanket. The way the music moves through the crowd both ignites and binds it together. It’s a church service for sinners.

Earlier in the post, I talked about how I thought The Black Angels, and thereby their music, was history repeating itself. Whether we want to admit it or not, the circumstances that gave rise to the Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix and subsequently, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and so on and so forth has given rise to bands like The Black Angels. We’re on the brink of another Vietnam. And people are taking notice. Despite their niche style, The Black Angels have proved that they have drawing power. Every concert I’ve ever seen them play at has increasingly become more crowded. And despite the psychedelic stream that is imbibed in their music, their popularity has somehow touched on a more universal stream of various sects within the populace.

If it’s absolutely necessary that I tie my love for this band to Christianity, or spirituality in general, then let me say this. There is nothing about this band that is, in any way, overtly Christian. But they frigging move me. I can’t say that about most Christian music, even the most modern. There is a spiritual hunger contained within The Black Angels’ music that isn’t seen within the music of our own faith.

And that’s sad, I’m not going to lie about it.

I’ll leave you with the lyrics from their song, The First Vietnamese War and a simple request: just give them a chance.

You gave a gift to me
In my young age
You sent me oversea
And put the fear in me
And I ask what for now
Why me, why war?
And I ask what for now
Vietnam War?
Spend my time there by the shore

Oh we got off that boat
Charlies everywhere
A lotta killin’ and dyin’
And no one seems to care
I ask what for now
We say hell no
And I ask what for
Why me, why war?
And I spend my time there by the shore

Sixty thousand men died
While you were here
You came into our homes
And you took our kids
And you ask for more now
For this new war
And you ask for more now
Vietnam War
I spend my time there by the shore