The Underside of Power
by Algiers
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2017
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 60
  3. Negative: 5 out of 60
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. HugoPavi
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    A step-up from their (already really good) debut in just about every way. Not sure if a couple of the almost vocal-less electronic tracks needed to be on here, but this is a damn good and necessary album that I see myself returning to a lot for the rest of 2017. The title track and "Cleveland" especially are two of the very best songs I've heard this year.
  2. Wendigoat
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Really amazing band fusing elements of Post-punk with gospel and soul. Unfortunately a bit weak at the end. Standout tracks are Walk Like a Panther, Underside of Power, Death March and Mme Rieux. Very interested to see where they go next.
  3. EdenIsNotHere
    Feb 2, 2018
    9
    I feel bad for listening to this record now, it's incredibly good! I think the gospel vocals, soul and industrial elements add a lot for the record, decorated with subtly noisy synths and pianos that are well executed and, for my surprise, it's more accesible than I really expected. Production and mixing it's standout while maintaining a certain lo-fi quality to it. An unorthodox approachI feel bad for listening to this record now, it's incredibly good! I think the gospel vocals, soul and industrial elements add a lot for the record, decorated with subtly noisy synths and pianos that are well executed and, for my surprise, it's more accesible than I really expected. Production and mixing it's standout while maintaining a certain lo-fi quality to it. An unorthodox approach to post-punk and blues that I rarely seen before in the past, and keeping it with a certain uncertainty, optimism but also criticism and somewhat dark, great lyrics. This is a necessary, inventive and original album that you have to listen now.

    STANDOUT TRACKS: Walk Like a Panther, The Underside of Power, Death March, Animals, Plague Years, Hymn for an Average Man, The Cycle/The Spiral, Bury Me Standing.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Wire
    Aug 8, 2017
    80
    It reignites the traditions it draws upon and creates something utterly contemporary. If this record sounds familiar, it is because it is the music your soul has already worked out we need for the struggles to come. [Jul 2017, p.46]
  2. The Quietus
    Aug 2, 2017
    80
    The Underside of Power is both the latest chapter in a long-running and universal story that seems to be nearing climax, and solid, sonic proof that Algiers are capable of not just acting with their hearts, but ripping them out and offering them up on record.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    Jul 13, 2017
    80
    The Underside of Power is even more powerful than Algiers’ debut, starker, more violent and yet leavened with an uplifting surge of gospel.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »