The underside of power

"Righteous, intelligent rock - The second album from London/Atlanta four-piece Algiers gleefully fuses classic 60s soul with post-punk experimentation to frequently astonishing effect. Against a constantly shifting musical backdrop, Franklin James Fisher's rich voice (think Levi Stubbs) is the one constant, whether undercut by discordant guitar noise and rapid-fire beats (Animals) or caressed by piano (Mme Rieux). The politically charged lyrics are no less incendiary, particularly on the gospel-influenced Cleveland, a furious complement to the Black Lives Matter movement that pledges justice for the victims of racist killings. Best of all is the strident title track, which makes radical politics sound gloriously danceable. Intelligent, powerful, righteous - it's not an easy listen, but it is a rewarding one".

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"The Atlanta quartet (now featuring Bloc Party's Matt Tong) have composed a new album that stands as a brash statement of defiance against a turbulent world, one that is only growing more hostile and divided with each passing day. The agitated, blustery songs fluidly blends elements of Motown soul and Southern gospel with the dissatisfied angst of indie rock, fusing Stax Records' enlightened funk with the unhinged fury of punk. The songs speak of a restless quest for justice in a society that has been fractured by inequality, racism, and discrimination, while also offering incisive critiques of the corrupt miscreants who routinely profit from enforcing social divisions and thrive within a severe economic disparity they helped create".

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