Pure X - Angel

Pure X have always been adept at creating atmosphere within their records. Each of their previous two albums have been defined by an enveloping, psychedelic intensity as the Texans established their own serene, yet powerful brand of blissed-out rock. The band, newly expanded to a four piece, has distilled their sound even further to its purest natural form on their third album ‘Angel.’

Much of Pure X’s previous music was informed by the torpor of incessant touring; their previous album ‘Crawling Up The Stairs’ was a dark reflection on mortality prompted by singer Nate Grace’s medical issues. Where the previous two albums were dense and tortured, ‘Angel’ is light. It’s the first record the band has made without distractions of touring, and as such, it’s their most lucid and focused to date. As illustrated by the utterly gorgeous lilting waltz of opening track ‘Starlight’ the album has a sublime sense of atmosphere and texture. It’s a dreamy kind of lysergic beauty that permeates each of the 11 tracks. Nothing here stands out and jars.

‘Angel’ is certainly an album that shares much with its predecessors; however, what really does stand out is the strength of the vocals. You get the feeling the band are now confident enough in their abilities to place the vocals at the heart of their music rather than indulging in droning ambience. This works particularly well on the soulful laments that make the album so compelling. While the music is broadly of a similar down tempo sound, variety can be heard here which are shared between the band’s three singers. At times, the voice is lovely and rich, for example, Grace’s fluttering falsetto. At other times, it sounds eerie and otherworldly. There’s always something special about soul music sung by unnaturally soulful, untrained voices. It’s this quality that makes ‘Angel’ so good.

‘Angel’ is a perfect example of a band growing and evolving with each record. Pure X have emerged from a dark abyss into beatific splendour.