We Are Him

About

Angels of Light leader Michael Gira first made his name with the Swans, a New York City art damage collective who initially specialized in oppressive, marching doom anthems that made up in aggression what they lacked in subtlety. Slowly, Gira found his way to sweeter tones and pacifist rhythms, chiefly through partnerships with other more flexible musicians who could carefully color his world in somber hues. For Angels of Light’s fifth album, Gira hooked up with labelmates, the NYC-based Akron/ Family, who provide a consistent buzz throughout. However, Gira conducts his choir with his usual complete control method and adds and strips away the sound like an expert chiseler, caressing the edges with violin, accordion, mandolin, hammer dulcimer and “krautabilly” electric guitar until his Nick Cave-esque swamp blues (“My Brother’s Man”) and his carnivalesque surprises (“Joseph’s Song”) twist into something positively festive. “Promise of Water” drones with Gira’s trademarked ominous sawing, while “Sunflower’s Here to Stay” offers an unforeseen pop side to this dark overlord.

via Apple Music