Phosphene Dream, the third album from MAGNET faves the Black Angels, marks a big step forward for the Austin, Texas, psych quintet. The band signed to the Blue Horizon label (run by industry bigwigs Richard Gottehrer and Seymour Stein) and worked in L.A. with veteran producer Dave Sardy (Oasis, Rolling Stones), marking the first time the group recorded an LP outside of its home base. The Black Angels also recently upped their profile with a collaborative appearance with UNKLE on the soundtrack to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. (We hear the track, “With You In My Head,” is played at a pivotal scene in the film, but when it comes to movies, we are more Black Swan than Bella Swan.) The band also backed Austin legend Roky Erickson (though the fruit of that labor is still up in the air, release-wise) and is still working hard on its annual Austin Psych Fest. And if that wasn’t enough, the Black Angels will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new Q&A with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Alex Maas.
Maas: Every year, the Black Angels and the Reverberation Appreciation Society throw a music festival called the Austin Psych Fest. We have been touring for six years and have meet so many amazing artists/bands that have influenced and inspired and amazed us. This is our chance to bring these people to Austin and throw a party for three days. This year, Austin Psych Fest 4 will be April 29-May 1. Austin Psych Fest was founded in 2008 to honor the legacy of Austin’s musical history as the birthplace of psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll through the creation of a music and multimedia art festival. The fest showcases the best of vintage, modern, established and up-and-coming acts that push the envelope in mind-expanding music. The music is presented in an environment embracing experimental and innovative visuals and multimedia. Austin Psych Fest strives to promote and create fertile ground for artistic expression through music and visual art, support homegrown Austin businesses, and operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
Video after the jump.
