SAVAGE REPUBLIC – JAMAHIRIYA

Since Savage Republic dissolved in the late ’80s, most of its members went onto other projects, with Bruce Licher and Robert Loveless forming Scenic, Ethan Port working with Scot Jenerik in F-Space, and Thom Furhmann founding the amazing but shortlived Autumn Fair (a re-issue of which is due soon). “Jamahiriya Democratique” is Savage Republic’s fourth album, exhibiting many of the traits that would later be so pronounced in these various post-breakup projects (especially Scenic). There is much less emphasis upon Savage Republic’s trademarked junk-yard / punk-as-fuck percussion, but they continue in their post-punk translations of Greek / Arabic motifs, with more of a production polish (which runs close to the dreamy sound of Bill Laswell’s neo-prog professionalism). Vocals, absent on “Ceremonial”, make a few returns, but aren’t terribly annoying and are also off-set by a couple of instrumental versions (i.e. “Viva La Rock ‘n’ Roll” which may be Savage Republic’s best song, does much better as an instrumental track). Certainly, those of you who love Scenic’s big sky expansiveness and Godspeed You Black Emperor!-esque guitar crescendos should check out the “Jamahiriya Democratique.”