Franklin James Fisher fronts Algiers at Black Cat on Monday, July 24, 2017. (Photo by David LaMason)

I have to admit that I’ve been waiting for this moment for the past two years, having last seen Algiers in DC in September 2015 to a small but enthusiastic audience.  In a Venn diagram where you have brilliant albums in one circle and commanding live shows on the other, Algiers would be that perfect middle where the power of tracks such as The Underside of Power and Animals take on a visceral intensity on stage as demonstrated on a steamy Monday night at Black Cat’s backstage.

Hailing from Atlanta, Algiers brought life to a rapt (and at times rowdy) crowd.  After starting the set with a Martyrs and the Motown-tinged title track from their recently released The Underside of Power, singer Franklin James Fisher announced that they were doing an improvised set list.  They covered nearly all of Underside of Power and finished their set with the powerful “Death March,” which includes the cautionary refrain, “This is how the hate keeps passing on,” and crowd-favorite “Black Eunuch” as the final song in the encore.  It was a sweaty, impressive set that will stay with me for days afterward.

Here are some pictures of Algiers performing at the Black Cat on Monday, July 24, 2017. All photos copyright and courtesy of David LaMason.

Definitely check them out!  Their fall tour with !!! (Chk Chk Chk) starts in September:

• Wed, 9/13/2017 – The Hollow – Albany, NY
• Thu, 9/14/2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo, NY
• Fri, 9/15/2017 – Spirit Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
• Sat, 9/16/2017 – Grog Shop – Cleveland Heights, OH
• Mon, 9/18/2017 – Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN
• Thu, 9/21/2017 – Saturn Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
• Fri, 9/22/2017 – Hi-Ho Lounge – New Orleans, LA
• Sat, 9/23/2017 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX

For more dates check out Algiers website.