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Gretchen Robinette

Savages made U.S. live debut at Glasslands, playing more CMJ week shows, including our Friday day party

photos by Gretchen Robinette; words by Bill Pearis

Savages @ Glasslands, 10/17/2012
Savages

It is safe to say that neo-post-punk group Savages are probably the most hotly-tipped band at this year’s CMJ Festival and apparently have U.S. labels falling over each other trying to sign the band. I am a fan of what I’ve heard of the London four-piece, and love their musical touchstones (early Echo & the Bunnymen, PiL, Bauhaus, etc) so I was pre-disposed to like them, but was a bit wary of the hype. After catching them at their U.S. debut last night at Glasslands (10/17, part of Stereogum’s CMJ showcase) I am an official Savages Kool-Aid drinker. They knocked me out.

While they certainly look the part, the live show is what brings the goods. (No wonder their first official release is a live EP.) Anchored/powered by bassist Ayse Hassan on phenomenal drummer Fay Milton, Savages were an absolute force with wailer Jehnny Beth leading the charge with a stage presence that is both static and incredibly intense, somewhat reminiscant of Wild Beasts’ Hayden Thorpe. (Guitarist Gemma Thompson colored in the lines, alternating between blasting riffs and more ethereal textures.) With all the cameras going off, it’s hard to forget where you are but about halfway through the “Flying to Berlin” I went over the wall and lost in the groove.

You have a few more chances to see Savages, including our free Friday BV day party at Public Assembly (10/19) where they play at 2:30 PM in the front room. They’ll play tonight at House of Vans (RSVP is closed) Friday night at Mercury Lounge as well, and Saturday afternoon (10/20, 5:30 PM) at Pianos for the Bowery Presents day party (free).

Savages setlist and more pictures from last night’s Glasslands show are below, and we’ll have pics from the rest of the night (Dum Dum Girls, Guards and more) soon.

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Setlist: Savages @ Glasslands, 10/17/2012
City’s Full
I Am Here
Another War
Strife
Waiting for a Sign
Flying to Berlin
Shut Up
She Will
Husbands

Savages – 2012 Tour Dates
10/18: NYC @ House of vans, 9.15pm
10/19: NYC @ Brooklyn Vegan show @ Public Assembly, 2.30pm
10/19: NYC @ Mercury Lounge, midnight
10/20: NYC @ Pianos, 5.30pm
10/26: LONDON @ Queen Elizabeth Hall w/ Crime and the City Solution
11/02: NIJMEGEN, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
11/03: AMSTERDAM, Netherlands @ Paradiso, London Calling festival
11/04: UTRECHT, Netherlands @ Ekko
11/06: BIRMINGHAM @ The rainbow
11/07: MANCHESTER @ Gorilla
11/08: BRIGHTON @ Paganini Ballroom
11/09: PARIS @ La boule noire, Festival Les Inrocks