Algiers
At the end of 2017, I was lucky enough to catch Algiers play at The Soup Kitchen in Manchester. Having only heard one song beforehand, I was completely blown away by the raw power of their sound, their lyrics and the passion with which they perform.
Last year was seminal for Algiers, with two tours around Europe (one supporting Depeche Mode), the release of their critically acclaimed second album, 'The Underside of Power', appearances on BBC6 Music, BBC Radio 5 Live as well as praise from various publications including The Guardian, they are making a meaningful impression on fans and media alike.
In case you're not already in the know, TheZineUK met with Algiers for a five minute Q&A. Read on to discover a group on the cusp of being one of the most important and influential bands of a generation, and be sure to catch them live in 2018.
Photography by Joe Dilworth
Can you tell us how you guys got together and chose the name Algiers?
"Three of us are Georgia boys, from Atlanta, and we ultimately came together over a shared love of old spirituals, Nina Simone, obscure soul, punk rock and a shared hatred of oppression, racism and all things evil in the South. Algiers is shorthand for the Battle of Algiers, a Third Cinema film about the anti-colonial resistance in Algeria, scored by Ennio Morricone, and it represents so much about our shared cultural and political interests."
How would you describe your sound?
"Loud. Noisy. Deceptive. People pull so many different references from it. If you go in thinking you're going to hear some throwback soul or gospel, you will leave disappointed and with ears ringing."
What, and who are your influences?
"Nina Simone. James Jamerson. The Pop Group. Frantz Fanon."
You're just back from touring Europe with Depeche Mode, how was it in comparison to your own shows?
"It was such an incredible experience. Their fans were kind and receptive. Their crew was professional and fun. And as people, DM, despite being on another human plane, are amazing. It's difficult to compare 70,000 seat stadiums to 250-cap rooms, but they each have their own energies to feed on."
What's next for Algiers?
"A tour of the Balkans: Croatia, Serbia, even Kosovo. Some more work with Massive Attack. A new album, maybe..."
Videos from Algier's new album; 'The Underside of Power' released 23 June 2017 on Matador Records:
'The Underside Of Power'
and
'Walk Like A Panther'
". . .I've seen the underside of power / It's just a game that can't go on...". Algiers' new album, 'The Underside of Power' is available to purchase now via http://smarturl.it/TheUndersideOfPower
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