Algiers (band)
American rock band
Algiers is an American post-punk band from Atlanta, Georgia, United States, formed in 2012. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Franklin James Fisher, Ryan Mahan, Lee Tesche, and Matt Tong. Algiers pulls from a divergent number of musical (and nonmusical) influences; the most notable of these influences are post-punk, hip-hop, Southern Gothic literature, and the concept of the Other. Their sound has been described as dystopian soul due to its somber mood, afrofolk inspired vocal approach, and heavy emphasis on atonal textures.
History
Fisher, Mahan, and Tesche (of the experimental band Lyonnais) met and grew up playing music together in Atlanta, Georgia, but officially formed in London in 2012 with the release of their first single. They chose the name Algiers in reference to Gillo Pontecorvo's 1966 film, The Battle of Algiers, and a key historical site of anti-colonial struggle, symbolizing a contested space where violence, racism, resistance, and religion commingle.
Their live show has been described as "recalling at various points PIL's dub-style expansions, Afrobeat, industrial, no wave, free jazz, Suicide, the XTC of "Travels in Nihilon," Nick Cave's fire and brimstone, and musique concrète."
2012–2016: Formation and debut album
The group released their first single "Blood" in January 2012 via Atlanta based label Double Phantom. Byron Coley for The Wire wrote: "Although the fusion may have been touched upon in recordings related to both The Birthday Party and The Gun Club, Algiers are dedicated to grafting gospel music onto post-punk guitar-scuzz...this record is mesmerising and really sucks you in with its weird power."
The band's self-titled debut album was released through Matador on June 2, 2015. Ahead of their eponymous release, the band opened for Interpol, during their North American Tour. Matt Tong, formerly of Bloc Party, began playing drums for Algiers at this time.
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