Algiers - “Irreversible Damage” (ft. Zack De La Rocha)

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…IDLES, Danny Brown, Bad Brains

“Irreversible Damage” is Algiers at a nuclear peak, bursts of rhythm and tension driving the Atlanta quartet’s latest single. A collaboration with Rage’s Zach De La Rocha, there’s more hip hop here than ever before and a sign that 2023’s Shook will be among the most daring and impactful releases in Algiers catalog. Other early single “Bite Back” follows some similar patterns, but from a spacier, more psychedelic perspective - while a different sound for Algiers, there’s a natural progression from their punk-soul beginnings to today’s expansive and demanding singles. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Algiers debuted five years back, excitedly turning over new musical stones by blending gospel and punk forms to reverberating and passionate results on their explosive, self-titled record. That early sense of experimenting across new plateaus has deepened even more judging from early singles off their upcoming third LP There Is No Year. “Dispossession” is the clearest link to their original roots, an electro-soul burner that marries an infectious choral refrain with industrial edged rhythms. The record’s second single “Void” is a full punk release, guitars and vocals both screaming with youthful intensity.