For a band so young and fresh faced, Germany’s Blue Angel lounge have a sound that resonates with an opulence and depth far unexpected. Playing at Dortmund’s Westfallenhallen as support for indie rock-stars Interpol (QRO album review), ears propped up for this currently local band – but rest assured it will not stay that way for long with a range of well placed, dark, solid material.
Playing tracks off their new release Narcotica, the Blue Angel Lounge wowed unsuspecting Interpol fans with a showcase of material which perhaps even surpassed the headlining act – dark, brooding songs, and whilst comparisons to Joy Division for many bands appear unfounded, The Blue Angel Lounge have a somber, brooding sound; songs laced with intricate, moving bass lines and finished with lyrics written far beyond these young men’s years voiced in a lowly baritone. Of course, comparisons to such bands are more than cliché, but nevermore has it been more appropriate or founded.
With a range of material, The Blue Angel Lounge have a style which is not only musically solid, but with well placed accompaniments which create small musical masterpieces which reverberate in ones mind. Although the band only formed four years ago, they have a tight sound, minimalist in essence. Whereas many young bands fare for the overkill, this group has crafted artistically a product of transient beauty.
Its clear to see why this band have been snapped up by record label 8mm and have been tipped for the top, with even Anton Newcome of Brian Jonestown Massacre offering to be involved with their production of their debut album. If there’s any new band that deserves to be the ‘next big thing’, the Blue Angel Lounge are truly it.
