Algiers

The Underside of Power (Matador/The Label)

It takes mere seconds for Algiers’ The Underside of Power to explode in a mass of wailing, angry noise, a sound that barely lets up until the album charges to a halt 45 minutes later. Phew. Make no mistake: this is an abrasive album. The Atlanta trio vent their frustration at the world’s turmoil in a howl of furious, industrial rock’n’roll and soul, and with their politically-charged lyrics it’s all very in-your-face. And fantastic. Franklin James Fisher’s voice soars with a breathtaking intensity on tracks such as The Underside of Power and opener Walk like a Panther. Cleveland veers towards punk, while A Hymn For an Average Man calms the noise but maintains the fury. Maybe not an album for a casual dinner party but since when did that matter? Brilliant. - Jack Barlow