Responsible for Passover issued last year are The Black Angels in my mind one of the most ultimate sensations I have heard in recent years, the album is a mad, hypnotic inspired travel to the late 1960s psychedelia added with a modern touch. I just had to make a interview with them since I am huge fan of Passover. Here is a interview with Christian Bland guitarist who also share vocals with Alex Maas about The Black Angels past, present and future.

Interview with The Black Angels

A huge salute to your first incredible first album Passover, how has the response been to the album so far from media and fans ?

People seem to really like it. muchmoreso than I expected.

Fill me in on the origins of the band, when and where did you form the band ?

The band was started in Austin by Alex and I in May 2004. He and I grew up in Seabrook, TX, so we've known each other since we were 12.

We played in several other bands together but finally formed The Black Angels when we met Stephanie in may 2004. She and I went to University of Texas, so I met her there. Jennifer joined next and we played as a 4 piece for 6 months. Then Nate joined and finally Kyle.

Passover the album, how was the recordingprocess for you to make this album ?

We recorded at Cacophany Studios here in Austin with our friend Erik Wofford. we did everything Live in one take and then, if need be, we added an overdub for vocals.

Everytime I play it I find new things, to me this cd have a very broad section of psychedelic stuff to emotional and melancholic sights and figures, what aim did you have in the studio to bring this moving soundpicture that you have ?

There was no aim really. its just all our influences coming to the surface I guess.

Passover, the title, what is the main message in that ?

Get ready to be prepared

Back to the soundpicture, I feel that the sound is very living,progressive,refreshing,bluesy,atmospheric with a great range of variations, how would you describe that soundpicture that you have ?

Hypno drone

Looking at the lyrical standpoint, what is the main messages in them ?

There are many themes on the album, but if ihad to sum them up in one message it would be that things are bad, and if people dont open up their minds and let everything come thru, then it will only get worse.

Talking about The Black Angels as a liveact, what is the main difference The Black Angels – Live and The Black Angels – studio ?

Nothing really. like i said we record Live, in one take...so what you hear on the album is exactly what you'll hear when you see us play. One difference is that we like to drone out a bit longer when we play for a crowd.

I see that you have one of my idols Roky Erickson on the thankslist, what role plays Roky and 13th floor elevators for The Black Angels ?

They were preaching the same message that we are preaching.

You come out of Texas, for me as a long time fan of 1960s and 1970s stuff there has been a lot of great acts coming out of there, 13th floor as stated, Bubble Puppy, Josefus for example also later stuff like The Liquid Sound Company for example. Texas have produced a lot over the years, how much affection have the state for The Black Angels

soundpicture ?

Outside of Austin there isnt a ton of affction for us.We live in a conservative state....its pretty close minded around here, but i think our situation helps lend itself to our message.

(Red Crayola is another good band from houston)

Talking more of musical influences, whatelse has been a inspiration for you to create the sound that you have ?

As of late one of my biggest inspirations is Syd Barretts guitar playing. he seemed to be able to turn off and let something channel through him. thats always my goal when im playing.

You have also made some other stuff beside Passover, can you fill me in those and how has the response been to them ?

The only other stuff we have are a couple EP's. People seemed to dig them. they were the springboard for Passover.

Talking about the interest on both sides of atlantic for The Black Angels, how much response have you received from Europe so far compare to back home ?

Weve had an amazing response from Europe. People there seem more passionate about our music than here. I suppose theyre more open minded to new thoughts and ideas.

Now to the albumcover that I dig, from where came the idea have this cover and is it any symbolic message in that and how pleased are you with the cover ?

I actually designed the cover. I thought it was a perfect representation in visual form of what the music sounded like. It was inspired by the '68 Olympics art work.

The album came out a year ago, but it was until now I finally got a hold of it, what are your current plans and how is the next album going to sound compare to Passover ?

We have 13 songs ready for the next album..im not sure when it will be out...probably early next year. It will sound like The Black Angels on interstellar overdrive.

Contact: Light In The Attic www.lightintheattic.net

The Black Angels www.theblackangels.com

Gabriel Lilliehook