The music of Algiers is visceral and electric. In live settings, the band, fronted by the extraordinary Franklin James Fisher, seems like they're ready to ignite the revolution. On vinyl, the band's music seems equally radical, even if the group is capable of letting their usual dense production approaches drive things at times. The group's third album, There is No Year, is out this week on Matador. The release is fiery and uniquely emotional, with production by Randall Dunn and Ben Greenberg serving the material quite well.
The title cut, and "Void" bridge the worlds of New Wave and protest rock in a way that no one could have envisioned ages ago. Franklin James Fisher practically preaches his liberation gospel here, even as other numbers on this one, like "Dispossession", are more elegant and supple. "Losing is Ours" is futuristic soul, while "Wait for the Sound" is more subversive still. A roiling number that owes as much to Eno and Numan as it does to any punk act, the selection suggests that bassist Ryan Mahan, Fisher, and the other players here have found a method to bridge seemingly disparate genres with fervid ease. "We Can't Be Found" is faintly lush, Fisher steering this one towards the heart, on the back of a lovely hook, but most of what's on There is No Year is more harsh, desolate even ("Nothing Bloomed"). Considering that vibe, this album, the group's third, seems like the boldest release yet from this outfit.
At their best, Algiers make it sound as if the world is collapsing around them, and amid the clanging and clamor is a voice asking to be followed. One of the best, most underrated front-men in Rock 'n' Roll these days, Franklin James Fisher elevates the electro-murk and ambient hardcore on the Algiers records into something spiritual and fevered. In that sense, Algiers seem to be in line with past acts like "Swastika Eyes"-era Primal Scream, or Atari Teenage Riot. But where those acts nearly became prisoners of their own tech savvy, Algiers consistently craft more organic and successful material. That the tunes make a listener feel like things are about to kick off for the last time is all the more reason to recommend this record.
There is No Year is out on Friday via Matador.
More details on Algiers via the band's official Facebook page, or via the band's official website.
[Photo: Group shot by Christian Högstedt; live shots, me]