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 (tonight’s show celebrates its release), and Robert’s assessment proves correct—the songs are dramatic, ringing with vintage-sounding, reverbing guitars and Robert’s 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, though—“Where 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