Angels of Light

'We Are Him'

Noise/folk guru assembles a cockeyed hootenanny.

Spin Rating7 of 10

Michael Gira still explores the drones and grinding rhythms that he recorded with legendary art-punk band Swans, but on this fifth album with collective Angels of Light, the singer/songwriter focuses on whiplash juxtapositions of sound and style. He cuts and pastes his skewed vision of a Nick Cave-flavored Americana where mandolin and hammer dulcimer rumble with a devilish mariachi band down a dark backstreet. Avant enigmas (and labelmates) Akron/Family provide consistent backing, but it's Gira's array of violins, "krautabilly" electric guitar, accordion, and choral vocals that turn the tunes inside out. 

Now Hear This:
Angels of Light - "We Are Him" WINDOWS MEDIA

By Rob O'Connor

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