Savages are an all-girl noise rock band from London. While I make it a point not to listen to all-girl groups very often, Savages get the respect of living up to their name. There is a ferociousness about this music that deserves to be heard.
There is a dance-able rhythm underneath the noise that would not be out of place in a Bloc Party block party; instead of BP's romantic wistfulness, singer Jehnny Beth and guitar player Gemma Thompson come on like a hateful Sleater-Kinney. While Rolling Stone has compared her to Siouxsie Sioux or even Ian Curtis, concert goers around this writer's part of town would be reminded of We Are Hex.
The only drawback to this album is a common one among debuts. There is not a lot of dynamics in the songs. Track one will hit you hard and most of the other tracks will follow the same structure. Twice does Savages venture outside of their comfort zone. "Strife" slows the tempo just a bit to an awesome Soundgarden-like dirge. Less successful is the album closer, "Marshal Dear" which brings piano and clarinet into a slow blues-jazz lament, which feels like an experimental Patti Smith.
But the album is still a twisted distorted ride that has a very live feel. And there discernible sing-song, crowd-rallying choruses here to get behind. And if there was a strong melody, you probably wouldn't understand what the lyrics are to sing them. But the projection is powerful. (4 of 5 stars)
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