PRESS
Angels of Light | review
fussmagazine.com | david Obenour
Apparently great minds not only think alike, but can also create amazing music together.
9.0/10.0 Taking the helm, Michael Gira steps to the front and Akron/Family turns into Angels of Light. Reining in their enthusiasm and focusing it in a more traditional manner, the album takes a turn for the more refined. Playing off each other, Akron/Family serve as an inspiring backing band and bring Gira’s creations to their full eruptious potential. The playful nature of Akron/Family comes out as passionate intensity as Gira¹s baritone vocals bellow from above. Starting off their half, the Angels of Light take a crack at Dylan’s I Pity the Poor Immigrant which resurrects a sincere honky tonk tone not heard since Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Moving in a darker direction, The Provider and Come for my Woman are gothic epics that capture a rapture similar to Gira’s previous band Swans. The songs create a feel and a soundscape, weaving stories both lyrically and sonically. Gira even later revisits Mother/Father, a track he had previously recorded under Swans. So after months on the road that led to months in the studio, Akron/Family has obviously inspired Gira and Gira has obviously inspired Akron/Family. The result is a surprisingly complete and cohesive split record featuring both bands at the creational peaks. Apparently great minds not only think alike, but can also create amazing music together.