SAVAGES - Adore Life

SAVAGES - Adore Life

Just three years ago, Savages busted down the doors with their debut record Silence Yourself, its relentless momentum loudly announcing the arrival of post-punk’s new saviours.

Their follow-up sees them diversify their influences and punch their way through all opposition, without necessarily expanding on their sound.

If you haven’t heard ‘The Answer’ yet, drop everything and put it on. Gemma Thompson’s unhinged, unstoppable riffage and Jehnny Beth’s insistent cry of “If you don’t love me / Don’t love anybody” make for one of the best album openers of recent memory, a thrashy reminder of everything we’ve missed in the preceding years.

Ayse Hassan on bass is perhaps the real hero of Savages, an ever-present and groove-defining force in their sonic assault. The production perfectly captures the vibrancy and aggression of her playing; you can practically hear the pick thudding against the strings in ‘Evil’ and ‘T.I.W.Y.G.’. Frontwoman Beth continues to astonish by communicating rage, loss, love, hope, power and contempt without ever resorting to overt aggression. Despite the absence of hardcore screaming, she can have you raising your fist in defiant solidarity or cowering in self-reflective shame.

Savages have managed to parallel the brilliance of their first album, if not outperform it, and there is plenty to adore in this roaring new set.

★★★★☆

Adore Life by Savages is out Friday January 22 through Matador/Remote Control.

Post originally printed in The BRAG; available at http://thebrag.com/music/savages-adore-life