Savages

Savages, an all-female post-punk quartet, channel the fierce drive and experimental edge of London's early punk era through their intense sonic assault and abrasive guitar textures. Based in the English capital, the group came together toward the close of 2011 once guitarist Gemma Thompson and vocalist Camille Berthomier, who performs as Jehnny Beth, moved past their initial hesitation about choosing both a moniker and a project, finally committing to the name Savages before beginning to compose material. Bassist Ayse Hassan and drummer Fay Milton soon completed the lineup. Their live debut arrived the following January when they supported British Sea Power, after which Sigur Rós manager John Best signed them and arranged the release of the double-A-side single Flying to Berlin/Husbands on the independent imprint Pop Noir. Music outlets quickly took notice, likening the band to Public Image Ltd., Siouxsie and the Banshees, and PJ Harvey. A string of high-energy concerts accelerated their profile, highlighted by a strong showing at New York's CMJ Music Marathon and a U.K. television appearance on Later...With Jools Holland. The year closed with a nomination for the BBC Sound of 2013 poll. Also in 2012 they issued the single I Am Here, then teamed with Matador Records to deliver their first full-length, Silence Yourself, in May 2013. Their follow-up, Adore Life, arrived in 2016 and drew parallels to Swans, Soundgarden, and once more PJ Harvey. While laying down that sophomore set, the band stayed active from late 2015 into early 2016 as Jehnny Beth collaborated in the studio with Julian Casablancas of the Strokes and the group recorded a cover of Eagles of Death Metal in response to the November 2015 Paris attacks.