What makes The Black Angels by The Black Angels notable?

The Black Angels received critical acclaim upon release, with particular praise for its fresh take on psychedelic rock. The EP helped solidify their reputation, leading to performances at major festivals and significant chart placements within the genre, contributing to the resurgence of interest in psych-rock during the mid-2000s. Released in 2005, The Black Angels marked the band's debut EP, introducing their signature sound to the burgeoning psych-rock revival scene. At this point, they were establishing their identity as leaders within a new movement that drew inspiration from 1960s psychedelic rock while incorporating modern influences.

How many songs are on The Black Angels?

The Black Angels has 4 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

The Black Angels

The Black Angels · 2005

16 min · 4 tracks · psychedelic rock

A heavy swirl of reverb-drenched guitars and hypnotic rhythms wrapped in a haze of psychedelic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Grease — This opening track sets the tone with its driving bassline and swirling guitar effects, encapsulating the band’s dark, hypnotic style right from the start.
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The First Vietnamese War — Blending historical references with immersive soundscapes, this track showcases the band's lyrical depth while maintaining a gripping sonic intensity.
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Manipulation — The extended length of this track allows for an expansive exploration of sound, demonstrating the band's ability to blend structure with improvisational elements effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The Black Angels' debut EP showcases strong craftsmanship and a cohesive sound, establishing their place in the psych-rock revival.

What we noticed

The opening track features a steady, driving rhythm that persists throughout, creating a sense of urgency.
Each song employs layered guitar effects, with heavy reverb and distortion contributing to a dense soundscape.
The EP maintains a consistent tempo across its four tracks, with only slight variations in dynamics and intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Black Grease 4:35
2 The First Vietnamese War 3:33
3 Winter '68 2:41
4 Manipulation 5:57

What to play next

Listen next

Passover

2006

Full The Black Angels discography Where to start with The Black Angels Artists like The Black Angels

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata