Savage Republic
Jamahiriya
Released in 1988, this album stands out from its peers with the milieu of influences it entwines within its 47 minute duration.
Essentially a post-punk album with industrial and surf overtones, it incorporates an assortment of ethnic music influences ranging from tribal percussion to middle-eastern mysticism and south american to eastern european folk to create this sound that never becomes formulaic, one dimensional or stagnant.
Quite often the music recedes into these hypnotic, almost numbing psychedelic jams; beautifully lumbering and sparse, before erupting with spikey, art-punk hooks and feedback - you neve quite know where its going to go next. At times it' sound is distant and cold; such as with the title song, whilst at other times it bubbles and froths with energy, as Viva La Rock'n'Roll will testify - but there is always this unexplainable, foreboding underbelly to it that has a strange ability in stirring up your adrenaline the longer it goes on.
Due to the myriad influences replete within this album i feel it somewhat transcends time and space - if you're looking for an angst-fuelled, angular post-punk album; here you have it, if you're looking for an ethereal psychedelic freak out, this'll whip you up something delighful, and if you're up for something a little different that will take you outside the monotony of convention; give this a listen. It is an album that requires your undivided attention and if you're only looking for something to put on in the background i'd stay clear.