Savage Republic – Varvakios

CD booklet includes full color photos of the riots that took place in Greece from early in 2012. Savage Republic recorded Varvakios during their visit in Greece in which the riots broke out.

"Sparta" starts off the album with what sounds like an anxious crowd of listeners before the familiar guitar and bass sounds of Savage Republic come in. Old fans will not be disappointed. The music builds up into a tribal frenzy. The vocals sound very SPK Graeme Revell Goth like with Blaine L. Reininger of Tuxedomoon coming in violin. Blaine has worked with Durutti Column on the album Without Mercy. "Hippodrove" keeps the groove going with pulsating rhythms, bass, and wailing guitar. There is an ambience of being in a foreign country throughout as you hear voices of Greek citizens here and there between tracks. The title track "Varvakios" brings forth Blaine's talents on violin. This track will definitely put this album into world music category. "Pigadi" is the most experimental track on the album which slows things down a bit but keep the listener on edge awaiting the next assault. The guitar sound throughout the album reminds me of the opening of Joy Division's "Exercise One". "Kara"' starts of as an ambient track with field recordings. Halfway through, the Gang of Four post punk bass sound comes rolling in and keeps the pace of the album chugging along. Next up is "Poros". This is the 2nd violin driven track off of Varvakios. The track breaks for a nice acoustic guitar to come in and take over. I am reminded of Dead Can Dance, minus the vocals on this track. "For Eva" starts off with what sounds like a church bell followed by some beautiful guitar playing. The guitar draws me in and relaxes my mind. The album closes with "Anatolia", which has to be my favorite track off the album. It builds up slowly and comes thundering with guitar, bass, and drums throughout like Savage Republic reclaiming their crown on Los Angeles underground art rock. Everything is here on this album: experimental rock, surf guitar, punk attitude and energy.....Savage Republic prove that they still have it.

Before reviewing the music on this LP I must point out that it's pressed on very nice heavy clear vinyl and comes in a fold out sleeve. It also includes a booklet with full color photos of the riots that took place in Greece from early in 2012.

"Sparta" starts off the album with what sounds like an anxious crowd of listeners before the familiar guitar and bass sounds of Savage Republic come in. Old fans will not be disappointed. The music builds up into a tribal frenzy. The vocals sound very SPK Graeme Revell Goth like with Blaine L. Reininger of Tuxedomoon coming in violin. Blaine has worked with Durutti Column on the album Without Mercy. "Hippodrove" keeps the groove going with pulsating rhythms, bass, and wailing guitar. There is an ambience of being in a foreign country throughout as you hear voices of Greek citizens here and there between tracks. The title track "Varvakios" brings forth Blaine's talents on violin. This track will definitely put this album into world music category. "Pigadi" is the most experimental track on the album which slows things down a bit but keep the listener on edge awaiting the next assault. The guitar sound throughout the album reminds me of the opening of Joy Division’s "Exercise One". “Kara”’ starts of as an ambient track with field recordings. Halfway through, the Gang of Four post punk bass sound comes rolling in and keeps the pace of the album chugging along. Next up is “Poros”. This is the 2nd violin driven track off of Varvakios. The track breaks for a nice acoustic guitar to come in and take over. I am reminded of Dead Can Dance, minus the vocals on this track. “For Eva” starts off with what sounds like a church bell followed by some beautiful guitar playing. The guitar draws me in and relaxes my mind. The album closes with “Anatolia”, which has to be my favorite track off the album. It builds up slowly and comes thundering with guitar, bass, and drums throughout like Savage Republic reclaiming their crown on Los Angeles underground art rock. Everything is here on this album: experimental rock, surf guitar, punk attitude and energy…..Savage Republic prove that they still have it.

This is the first release in their new passport series. Savage Republic is hoping to continue the series with different countries. I look forward to these releases. This vinyl edition is strictly limited to 300 numbered copies and once they’re gone there will be no future copies pressed up on in vinyl. I am glad I have secured a copy.