Sophomore albums can be big letdowns or placid, dull retreads. On it’s second album, Adore Life, Savages shatters any low expectations with a full, exciting 10 songs. This album draws on some of the great bands of the punk and post-punk years of the late ’70s and early 1980s. While Siouxsie and the Banshees is the most-often comparison, there is a respectable nod to Gang of Four and Wire on this latest release.
Savages’ debut, Silence Yourself, three years ago was killer and full of explosive songs. The new album opens with The Answer, a bombastic anthemic rocker. It’s a punch in the face to let you know that Adore Life is no sophomore slump follow-up.
Adore, the second single from the album, slows down the pace but it is no less intense.
There are really no weak spots on the album, which challenges the traditional love song throughout. No happy sunsets or walks on the beach. The song T.I.W.Y.G., for instance, tells you “this is what you get when you mess with love” in a very pointed statement that says take notice!
Savages play Metro April 7.
Here are some other interesting and notable releases January 25.
Ty Segall – Emotional Mugger
Washer – Here Comes Washer
Tortoise – The Catastrophist
The Besnard Lakes – A Coliseum Complex Museum
All the Young Punks 