The second album from London/Atlanta four-piece Algiers gleefully fuses classic 60s soul with post-punk experimentation to frequently astonishing effect. Against a constantly shifting musical backdrop, Franklin James Fisher’s rich voice (think Levi Stubbs) is the one constant, whether undercut by discordant guitar noise and rapid-fire beats (Animals) or caressed by piano (Mme Rieux). The politically charged lyrics are no less incendiary, particularly on the gospel-influenced Cleveland, a furious complement to the Black Lives Matter movement that pledges justice for the victims of racist killings. Best of all is the strident title track, which makes radical politics sound gloriously danceable. Intelligent, powerful, righteous – it’s not an easy listen, but it is a rewarding one.
