Album Review: Savages - Silence Yourself

Seemingly out of nowhere, UK post-punk quartet Savages have sprung themselves to the forefront of the music world's attention with the release of their debut LP Silence Yourself on the ever-prestigious indie label Matador, the album being almost unanimously praised around the world.

What makes this record interesting is how it blends its clear and obvious influences (ranging from Siouxsie and The Banshees to Joy Division) while also making the results sound fresh. Jenny Beth's lyrics and vocals are complex and cover a wide variety of topics, and coupled with the general aggressive tones of the music it works well together. Things open with a sample of John Cassavete's Broadway drama Opening Night on Shut Up, which sets the overall tone for the record. Following on, I Am Here has an 'in your face' stop-start rhythm, while Strife is psych noise that screeches you into submission and follows a similar path to later track No Face. Hit Me is frank in both its lyrics and delivery, and despite its more accessible sound in comparison to the rest of the record this is by no means a fault. Waiting For A Sign is an indisputable highlight, capturing the same magic that Sonic Youth's The Diamond Sea conjured up. Closer Marshal Dear seems to act in parallel to opening gambit Shut Up, possessing the same cabaret feel as the starting sample with its forefront piano and wandering clarinet line. 

Silence Yourself is quintessential listening for anyone with a vague interest in the broader post-punk genre. It's no doubt a highlight record for the year thus far and will see the band go onto greater things.