Tragic Figures
Mobilization
by Jason from Deadthyme
Released in 1982, Tragic Figures was way ahead of it's time. Savage Republic mixed punk, early industrial, post-punk, and rhythmic tribal drumming. You can still hear bands today who draw influence from this classic record yet, unlike most early influential bands, these guys have remained relatively under most people's radars to this day. So I guess it would be more accurate to say you hear bands today who draw influence from bands who were influenced by Tragic Figures.
The pounding rhythms, experimental instrumentals, and heavy, distorted bass are what make the record great. The sparse vocals range from a gruff, punky bark to more death rock-esque throaty singing; which became more prevalent on later releases. I suppose the closest comparison would be perhaps C.R.A.S.S. mixed with Christian Death or maybe Hunting Lodge. Tragic Figures is pretty original, primal stuff, and worth a listen if you're looking for something different.
Savage Republic is from a time when people made music just for making music and art's sake and not because they thought they'd become the next myspace sensation. Evidently, these guys reformed in a much different line-up a few years ago.
Savage Republic - Tragic Figures
Jason Beck produces and DJs the Deadthyme counter-culture music show. Listen to Deadthyme from 2:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. every Monday morning on KPFT 90.1 fm in Houston (and online).
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2 comments:
Im a great Thin White Rope fan, so i remeber Savage Republic well, as they have at one particular moment in time
been loved by pretty much the same group of people that never accepted
the rule of mediocrity. Excellent album, thank you very much for this post.
Don't thank me. Well, thank me, but you really need to thank the mighty Jason Beck. Ever since he started writing for No Funeral, Jason has brought a sensibility and perspective that niether my brother nor myself posess. Jason is one of Houston's true treasures. Check out the podcast of his radio show Deadthyme
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