The Savage Nomads have a reputation for both their experimentation and eclectic influences which they incorporate into their own music. This is particularly evident in their latest release.
Opening with an aching piano theme and underpinned by a subdued acoustic guitar ‘Tension in the Middle’ slowly unwraps in a hazy hypnotic glow; a heady cocktail. Components of debut album ‘Coloured Clutter’ are mixed with new textures and ideas marking this as a document of their perpetual transition into unchartered territory.
The title track itself initially heralds comparisons to Sigur Ros – ‘Hoppípolla’ springs to mind – but any further parallels are quickly laid to rest. Frontman Cole Salewicz’s part-sung-part-recited vocal severs the resemblance with its trance-like murmur; somewhere between Joe Strummer, David Byrne and Robyn Hitchcock.
This is late night slow-burner music; a serene time-lapse construction built upon a military beat foundation. Indeed, drummer Billy Boone may well be The Savage Nomads’ secret weapon with his seemingly tireless armoury of rhythms.
The second new track, ‘Four Personalities’, is a return to the band’s harder edge. Elements of indie-punk with a side helping of dub evoke immediate comparisons with Battles and Mutemath. The spaced-out trumpet flourishes playfully interlock with looped guitar fills and all fused by a solid bass and scattershot beats.
For the uninitiated ‘An Empty Seat’ is taken from ‘Coloured Clutter’ and is a subtle appetizer – certainly one of the highlights of their debut. A thrilling amalgamation of Talking Heads and dub complete with infectious Byrne-esque yelp refrain and psychedelic freak-out finale. It’s both spontaneous and engineered at the same time.
So, as you can probably gather, The Savage Nomads are a difficult group to compartmentalise but that’s a good thing. While some may argue that they are still in search of an identity of their own the great news is that we get to follow them on that quest.
New Wave just got progressive.
