Scuzzy and scary and drunk and fucked-up like a bad Friday night, Austin’s Black Angels record lives up to the promise of the title and would make a rich soundtrack to a haunted house. It’s an incredibly mature second release which takes its time in conjuring a whiskey-soaked atmosphere. “Vikings” is a standout track, thumping and genuinely frightening, yet there isn’t a dud in the bunch. All the songs are driving, bluesy and dark. The record is imbued with a spirit of menace, even in its beautiful moments. I hate to damn an album with praise, but my reaction to this was the same as when I first heard the band Charalambides (also Texan) or Sonic Youth’s monumental Bad Moon Rising. (Light in the Attic) –Jim Radford

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