Algiers
by Algiers
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2015
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
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  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 for another position! :)
  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 for the song " Irony. Utility. Pretext. " which is undoubtedly the ultimate highlight.
  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 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.    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    … Expand
  4. Custom_Concerns
    Jul 22, 2015
    7
    While the songwriting can be somewhat hit and miss, the sheer sound Algiers have created with their debut is worth many listens. Post punk and gospel come together for an entertaining - and altogether unexpected - listening experience. Definitely check this record out for something fresh and exciting in 2015.
  5. melancholia
    Jul 12, 2015
    8
    The self-titled album from Algiers is excellent. A poignant fusion of post-punk, industrial, gospel, and little touches of goth rock, Algiers hit hard on their debut album. The lyrics are powerful and keen, tackling topics of racism and politics. The music has a weird contrast of bliss and evil, while still having great and catchy melodies. This mainly comes through the fusion of theThe self-titled album from Algiers is excellent. A poignant fusion of post-punk, industrial, gospel, and little touches of goth rock, Algiers hit hard on their debut album. The lyrics are powerful and keen, tackling topics of racism and politics. The music has a weird contrast of bliss and evil, while still having great and catchy melodies. This mainly comes through the fusion of the gospel and punch of the guitars. However, the great part about this record is how this contrast doesn't come off as distracting or pretentious. It conveys a mood that comes off as dark, but still keeps your attention, especially through the lyrics. If you want a record that feels unique and fresh, while still having wit and spirit, you should definitely check out this album. You won't be disappointed.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Under The Radar
    Jul 20, 2015
    75
    One of the rare new acts with a truly original sound.
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  2. 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]
  3. Clash Music
    Jun 30, 2015
    80
    An astonishing debut from an essential new band.
    Read full review
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