What makes The Underside of Power by Algiers band notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious sound and thematic depth, landing on numerous year-end lists and earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork. Its commentary on systemic oppression resonated widely during a politically charged era, further establishing Algiers as a vital voice in modern music. Released in January 2017, The Underside of Power is Algiers' sophomore album following their self-titled debut in 2015. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity by blending genres like industrial rock and hip-hop while expanding their lyrical themes to address political and social issues more directly.

How many songs are on The Underside of Power?

The Underside of Power has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

The Underside of Power

Algiers band · 2017

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A cacophony of post-punk rhythms and gospel-infused vocals delivers a powerful critique of contemporary society's struggles.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cry of the Martyrs — This track encapsulates the album's fusion of genres with its driving beat and haunting vocal harmonies, highlighting the tension between despair and hope.
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The Underside of Power — The title track powerfully articulates the album's central theme, showcasing a blend of urgent instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics that critique societal injustices.
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Hymn for an Average Man — With its reflective tone and poignant lyrics, this song serves as a lament for the everyday struggles faced by individuals within oppressive systems, embodying the album's emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of genres and dynamic vocal delivery creates a distinctive sound that engages listeners while addressing societal issues.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving beat and layered instrumentation that sets a tense atmosphere, which is maintained through the first half.
Vocals often alternate between soaring melodies and aggressive shouts, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts and dissonant chord progressions, enhancing the sense of urgency and chaos.
The final track features an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Walk Like a Panther 3:10
2 Cry of the Martyrs 4:03
3 The Underside of Power 4:12
4 Death March 4:31
5 A Murmur. A Sign. 3:43
6 Mme Rieux 3:34
7 Cleveland 3:46
8 Animals 2:33
9 Plague Years 2:52
10 Hymn for an Average Man 4:10
11 Bury Me Standing 2:25
12 The Cycle / The Spiral: Time to Go Down Slowly 5:25

What to play next

Listen next

There Is No Year

2020

Go back to

Algiers

2015

Full Algiers band discography Artists like Algiers band

alternative rock hip-hop soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata