SAVAGES

Electric Ballroom, Camden | February 21st

“Hey Tom, do you like Joy Division?
Yeah.
Do you like The Birthday Party?
Yeah.
Do you like Patti Smith?
I love Patti Smith.
What about Kate Bush?
I don’t listen to much Kate Bush, but I like her.
Right, well come with me to see Savages.”

The description of Savages as being akin to a female Joy Division is already a little played out.  If you look past vocalist Jehnny Beth’s Curtis-esque hairdo and arm flailing, there is a wealth of guttural originality that you could be convinced hails from 1978, but is definitely rooted in the now.

After a droney, moodily lit build up Savages emerge in a gothic mist, careering into Shut Up, the first bass driven offering from the foursome. Their post-post-punk pushes on with razor sharp guitar stabs punctuated by primeval grunts and a 1000-mile stare.  There is almost a subtle underlying aura of parody, a parody of themselves perhaps, a deadly serious nihilistic over the top-ness that doesn’t distract but serves to draw you in further.

I Am Here, the title track of the Live EP recorded on last year’s July UK tour acts as a mantra, emblazoned on most of their merch.  After defiantly declaring that they are in fact here, the girls casually take a brief moment to retune and sip a little water. Later in the set stand out track Hit Me does just that, summoning a goth-rock vibe reminiscent of Nick Cave during the heroin years.  Jehnny Beth tries to locate their agent in the crowd before Flying To Berlin from the Husbands 7″ kicks off. Swathed in bass, it forms an atmosphere that feels somehow familiar. We’re left feeling as if we’ve always listened to Savages.

Savages are moving in the direction of reshaping an entire genre, and are without doubt more than just an all girl Joy Division tribute act; they are Tom’s new favorite band.

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Words + Photo: Aled Simons

savagesband.com