Algiers

Algiers is an Atlanta-based four-piece band that is equal parts early post-punk and soul/gospel. Whereas most bands who aspire to blend genres of music usually reassemble the elements of each into a fused hybrid being, Algiers has tended to simply play them simultaneously. The instrumentation draws heavily from post-punk idioms, especially from the early, reverb-happy, formative years of the genre, along with processed drums and bass, guitars used as emphasis or atmospheric effects, and synth or acoustic piano-based hooks, and so on. On top of this is the vocalist Franklin James Fisher who delivers his vocals in a style that reaches back to the gospel and soul traditions. The result is an interesting and effective meld of the two musical worlds.