Review : SAVIOURS – “Accelerated Living”

Saviours – Accelerated Living
released October 27, 2009 on Kemado Records

Purple is metal. One look at the color-coded WRUV album racks will show you that. But for those that can’t, check the art on the third full-length from these Oakland natives for more proof. Further, I wouldn’t be surprised if mysterious bruises materialized on your person after experiencing the pummeling these guys dole out.

If you’re comparing with their labelmates, glance toward The Sword but look longer at Children for similar attitude. There’s a raw punk energy surging through most of these tracks, akin to High on Fire before they polished their attack. Their boisterous boogie succeeds at keeping the listener fixed in a galloping groove, ferociously focused on the almighty riff above things like vocal variety (the main place they need to evolve).

The album was produced and mixed by Phil Manley, whose work with The Fucking Champs is evidence enough how great sounds may be achieved from simple ingredients. Contrary to popular belief, remember that a ‘saviour’ need not be virtuous, and I certainly place these guys on the darker––and more fun––end of the spectrum.

FCC: 1, 3, 4, 7
Try 2, 5, 6, 8

01. Acid Hand
02. We Roam
03. F.G.T.
04. Livin’ in the Void
05. Burnin’ Cross
06. Slave to the Hex
07. The Rope of Carnal Knowledge
08. Apocalypse World Split
09. Eternal High

Rating: