Squawk! by SAVAK (Ernest Jennings Record Co.)

SAVAK
Squawk!
Ernest Jennings Record Co. / Peculiar Works Music

All hail the jangle, SAVAK threads the 1990s college rock scene into stubborn lyrical indie pop that is infectious in its nostalgia, but more so fascinating in its connection to current cultural identity. In “No Man’s Island,” they proclaim, “Whose gonna save you now.”

Michael Jaworski comments, “I don’t think I’ve ever written a song before that so accurately depicts how I feel in my life.” What it depicts is being left behind and a society where personal gain and status remains king.

This seventh inning stretch is not a passive play for the band. “American Vernacular” looks to Bowie for inspiration. The sinking feeling you get when they express feelings of uncertainty. The brazen feeling you get when they feel powerful.

But then it switches over to “Casual Cruelty” where they sense feelings of rage; about as angry as a Linklater film. What this song proves is a heaping load of defiance. The band lets loose. And let’s face it, seven albums in and there is not a snoozer track on the album. I absolutely love the dynamics. It’s the same feeling I got when I shoved a Sugar album into my ears and disconnected on the lawn outside of the university hub.

What SAVAK only proves is that they continue to be more viable with age. What are you waiting for? Add this album to your collection. It’s worth it!