Earlier this year, Black Whales frontman Alex Robert told me that, for their forthcoming full-length, the band was leaving behind the easy pop sounds heard on their 2009 EP, Origins, and instead heading in a more complex, psychedelic direction. That album, Shangri-La Indeed, is now complete (tonights show celebrates its release), and Roberts assessment proves correctthe songs are dramatic, ringing with vintage-sounding, reverbing guitars and Roberts languishing vocals, regretfully singing, In the wrong place/At the wrong time. The songs stop short of the stark austerity of, say the Black Angels, thoughWhere I Come From buzzes with a cheerful, Dylanesque harmonica, songs like the title track and Young Blood spark with lively energy and appealing melodies. Shangri-La Indeed is resolutely old-time rock-and-roll infused with a vigorous modern-day spirit.With Legendary Oaks, Mal De Mer. ERIN K. THOMPSON
Sat., July 2, 9:30 p.m., 2011