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.
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.
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.
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.
What happens when you mix soul, gospel and punk rock together? You will get this album.
Algiers is rock trio (or politically consciousWhat 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
The self-titled album from Algiers is excellent. A poignant fusion of post-punk, industrial, gospel, and little touches of goth rock, AlgiersThe 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
'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! :)…Expand
While the songwriting can be somewhat hit and miss, the sheer sound Algiers have created with their debut is worth many listens. Post punk andWhile 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.…Collapse
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.…Expand
