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
