Under the Savage Sky

When asked about the methods and the madness behind capturing the scorched earth soul of 'Under the Savage Sky', guitarist Peter Greenberg explained that the band was eager for something "harder and garagier" than their previous record, while still connecting with the energy and originality of the classics. Given that the previous release, 'Dig Thy Savage Soul' (their 2013 Bloodshot debut and first U.S. release in a couple decades), was a 12-round sonic knockout, the R&B wallop of 'Under the Savage Sky' may very well stand for 'Roundhouse and Beatdown.' There's no harder hitter than frontman Barrence Whitfield of Boston, MA. When he hits the boards with the Savages, you're either gonna ride the energy or be crushed by it. We're talking Joe Louis, Howlin' Wolf, Wilson Pickett, Smokin' Joe Frazier. Barrence has what these greats all possessed, the one thing a trainer cannot teach a fighter: a lust for mayhem. The wilder, louder, more insane the Savages bring it, the more Barrence is ready to attack the mic, to bring it high, to bring it low, to wear you down on the ropes, and eventually drop you. With the raw vocals, thick and nasty guitar tones, and preternaturally locked-in rhythm section, 'Under the Savage Sky' might be the most soulful punk record - or perhaps the most punk soul record - you've ever heard. Compact, three minute-or-less blasts rocket back to the explosive heydays of The Dirtbombs and genre godfathers The Sonics. 'Under The Savage Sky' rains soul and brimstone from the heavens. Keep your eyes to the sky... ain't no umbrella gonna help you here.