CD reviews: Algiers

In the wash-up following their self-titled 2015 debut, original Algiers members Franklin James Fisher, Ryan Mahan and Lee Tesche invited former Bloc Party drummer Matt Tong to join the fold, creating a formidable Transatlantic unit that manages to fuse Gospel and 1960s-era soul to a clanky, discordant post-punk guitarscape.

The result is a stunningly inventive, yet primal collection of songs, highlighted by Fisher's resonant voice, which he uses to holler and wail about injustice (Cleveland), as rapid-fire drum patterns provide a sense of tension and disarray.

Elsewhere, Fisher soars on a title track complete with a Motown-inspired backbeat likely to bring down the house.

  • Algiers. The Underside Of Power. Matador.
  • Four stars (out of five)

Single download: Mme Rieux

For those who like: Anthony and the Johnsons meets Gang of Four

- Shane Gilchrist

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