Algiers
by Algiers
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2015
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    May 29, 2015
    90
    There’s just so much going on, so much to wonder at.
  2. Clash Music
    Jun 30, 2015
    80
    An astonishing debut from an essential new band.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    It’s unlikely that this album will achieve legendary status but there are more than enough signs here to suggest something massive might be around the corner.
  5. The 405
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    They can be packed to the brim with the thoughts and feelings of a whole collection of people. For Algiers, it is this ability to connect with hearts and minds that ultimately makes their record among 2015's strongest thus far.
  6. PopMatters
    Jun 3, 2015
    80
    Algiers have attempted the near impossible by trying to craft art with a purpose in 2015, but they have just about done it.
  7. The Quietus
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    Algiers isn't incitement to revolution, it's a call to self-interrogation, to consider your reality and the reality of those around you.
  8. AllMusic
    Jun 1, 2015
    80
    Algiers, both band and album, offer musical and topical intensity alternately malevolent and passionate in searching and affirming truth, human and otherworldly. All of these seemingly disparate historical musical elements are distilled in such a startling manner, they carve something new from the fragments.
  9. Pitchfork
    Jun 1, 2015
    77
    The savvily sequenced Algiers ebbs and flows between moments of gritted-teeth tension and furious release, its solemn, confession-booth ruminations offset by heart-racing, steeple-toppling rave-ups.
  10. Under The Radar
    Jul 20, 2015
    75
    One of the rare new acts with a truly original sound.
  11. Magnet
    Jul 8, 2015
    70
    There's not a lot of post-punk, no-wave or noise to be found here, but more so a very topical sound for the right now. [No. 122, p.53]
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  12. Uncut
    May 29, 2015
    70
    There's a lot going on here. [Jul 2015, p.69]
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  13. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 29, 2015
    70
    Generally this is fairly accessible stuff.
  14. DIY Magazine
    May 29, 2015
    60
    The record’s constant hums and oohs at times whitewash even Algiers’ loftiest intentions, but the moments of clarity amongst all the murk mark the trio out as something staunchly individual.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 44
  3. Negative: 3 out of 44
  1. lisiak
    Jan 6, 2016
    8
    'Algiers' is a really interesting album. I like this. My favourite tracks: 'Games', 'Blood', 'Remains' and 'Claudette'. Good job and I wait'Algiers' is a really interesting album. I like this. My favourite tracks: 'Games', 'Blood', 'Remains' and 'Claudette'. Good job and I wait for another position! :)… Full Review »
  2. Jumpman
    Jan 4, 2016
    6
    The album is cool but the lyrics are silly at times and sonically the album becomes monotonous and it would have been worse if it wasn't forThe album is cool but the lyrics are silly at times and sonically the album becomes monotonous and it would have been worse if it wasn't for the song " Irony. Utility. Pretext. " which is undoubtedly the ultimate highlight.… Full Review »
  3. TalentlessHack
    Dec 31, 2015
    9
    What happens when you mix soul, gospel and punk rock together? You will get this album.

    Algiers is rock trio (or politically conscious    What happens when you mix soul, gospel and punk rock together? You will get this album.

    Algiers is rock trio (or politically conscious afropunk for the genre labelers) that comes in blazing with their debut. The production ranges from classic rock tunes on songs like "Black Eunuch" and "When You Fall" to even menacing Afrika Bambaataa production style beats on the track "Irony. Utility. Pretext", the album's sonic climax.

    The singer, Franklin James Fisher, is the defining factor that ultimately sells this project. From the calm singing on the haunting track "Blood" to Screaming Jay Hawkings-esque vocals on the more up-tempo tracks on the record. The songwriting on this album ranges from decent to excitingly twisted.

    The only flaw I could find in this record that the band sometimes rely on the same trick/sound just a bit too much. For example, the filtered background vocals that appear on many tracks that go; "WHOOAAAOOOWAAAA".

    A record with soul, passion and ferocity. Algiers self-titled debut album is one of the freshest albums of 2015.

    Fav Tracks: Irony. Utility. Pretext., Blood, Black Eunuch, She Wasn't Flying
    Least Fav Tracks: Games    … Full Review »
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