Coma in Algiers

Your Heart Your Body

Coma in Algiers’ follow-up to 2007 debut This Is Your Justice was recorded live in studio over the course of a single day. That on-the-spot feel is tangible throughout, which is fitting given that the local quintet’s noise-punk isn’t the kind that benefits from sonic polish. Opener “Why Why Why” jabs a bit of Pere Ubu angularity; “Come Fall” sounds like Rough Trade circa 1981. From those first two songs, you grasp the era of CIA’s influences. Guest vocalist Madison lends “Weg Von Mir” some female angst, as guitarist Johnny Hilbun provides a short, sweet six-string beat down. “Something’s Amiss” is the album’s only real clunker, and while there’s no “Sex With an Invalid” or “Incest Party” this time around, “Trojan Horse” comes closest to full release. The guttural screams and grunts toward the end are amusing, but this time CIA’s trying a more nuanced approach to catharsis.

***

This article appears in May 15 • 2009.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US