Akron/Family & Angels of Light

Related Content

• Wovenhand with Michael Gira at the Oriental Theater March 24
  January 10, 2012
• Swans at Summit Music Hall, 2/22/11
  February 23, 2011
• Reunited Swans play on February 22 at Summit Music Hall
  February 17, 2011
• Win tickets to see Swans tonight at the Summit
  February 22, 2011
• Michael Gira of Swans on the new album and his time as a bassist
  February 22, 2011

More About

• Michael Gira
• Devendra Banhart
• Akron

After Michael Gira's discovery of Devendra Banhart, it seems that the Angels of Light frontman (and Young God Records head) knows a good investment when he sees it. Gira's first major find since Banhart is Akron/Family, an avant-folk troupe that traffics in warped twang and blurry harmony. Angels of Light & Akron/Family is, as its name implies, a merger of the two bands -- and its resounding depth and elegance prove that Gira's sole agenda is the patronage of pure sonic poetry. On the album's first half, the Family explores a denser, darker branch of its own disjointed joyousness. Later, Gira leads his protegés through a multi-instrumental minefield of minor keys and apocalyptic love. Between them is a rootsy reading of Dylan's "I Pity the Poor Immigrant" that outlines the acts' overlapping aesthetics, as well as their seamless symbiosis. Regardless of any dividends this collaboration might yield for Gira's wallet, his soul -- and indeed, that of anyone within earshot of this disc -- is much richer for it.