Savak’s sixth album, Flavors Of Paradise, is a vibrant burst of energy, ideas, and musicianship that never ceases to amaze. Over the course of five LPs, an EP, and various other releases, this Brooklyn-based post-punk outfit has steadily built a reputation for weaving together the sinewy intricacies of post-hardcore with the infectious charm of 60s power pop and the jagged edge of 80s indie rock. Flavors Of Paradise continues that trend while demonstrating a tighter, more refined version of their sound, leaner, livelier, and brimming with urgency.
Right from the jump, Flavors Of Paradise feels like the sonic equivalent of stepping into a vintage shop where everything from mod guitars to post-punk angularity is beautifully curated. The band wastes no time, diving into 12 tracks of energetic, densely packed tunes recorded in just three days at Chicago’s renowned Electrical Audio studio. But here’s the kicker: Steve Albini, the man synonymous with the place, didn’t even touch this project. Instead, the band entrusted engineer Matthew Barnhart (known for his work with Superchunk and Bob Mould), and the result is an album that sounds polished yet raw, familiar but distinctly Savak. It’s the stripped-back approach that gives Flavors Of Paradise its strength. With no guests, no unnecessary overdubs, and no stylistic detours, the album is streamlined yet expansive. Every song feels purposeful, with just enough space to breathe while still maintaining a sense of forward momentum. Savak has never been a band to rest on their laurels, and here, they seem more confident in their ability to keep things simple and effective.
From the outset, the band showcases a deft ability to mix infectious pop melodies with the driving, off-kilter rhythms that post-punk has perfected. Tracks like “Paid Disappearance” and “The New New Age” come at you like a rapid-fire blast of vibrant guitars and tight drumming. There’s a disarming precision to the musicianship: the guitars shimmer and jangle, but they also punch when needed, as though every note was weighed carefully before landing. Savak has always walked a delicate tightrope between the catchy and the chaotic, and Flavors Of Paradise might be their most harmonious balancing piece yet. There’s a timelessness to the way they combine Rites of Spring’s emotional intensity with the buoyant hooks of Mission of Burma. Listening to “Let The Sunlight In,” you get a sense of that duality—the jittery rhythm section underscores a melody that’s so infectious it feels like a forgotten gem from the early days of post hardcore, post-punk, alternative, and indie rock.
Yet, the band also delves into deeper, more reflective territories. Tracks like “Living Will” feel introspective without losing the bite that makes Savak so compelling. Lyrically, the album touches on everything from marriage and vulnerability to broader, more abstract themes like polarization and absurdity. There’s even a song about dogs—though in true Savak fashion, it’s likely a metaphor for something more profound. It’s these moments of clever wordplay and thoughtful lyricism that elevate Flavors Of Paradise beyond its sonic influences. The band isn’t just paying homage to their musical heroes; they’re using their own voice to engage in meaningful dialogue with the listener. What’s perhaps most impressive about Flavors Of Paradise is its ability to surprise. Just when you think you’ve got the album figured out, it takes a sharp left turn. On “Will Get Fooled Again,” the band channels the propulsive energy of Superchunk, delivering ethereal guitar work and a soaring chorus that’ll stick with you long after the final note fades. It’s a standout moment on the album, showcasing their knack for blending genres without sounding scattered.
Then there’s “Two Lamps,” where the rhythm section takes center stage, locking into a taut groove that’s both hypnotic and urgent. The interplay between bass and drums is so precise, yet it feels effortless like the band is simply enjoying the ride. Moments like these remind you of the craftsmanship that goes into a Savak record—nothing is accidental, but everything feels organic. The decision to record at Electrical Audio with Barnhart behind the boards is a stroke of genius. The studio’s reputation for raw, live-in-the-room recordings is well known, and here, Barnhart captures Savak at their most vibrant. The album’s production doesn’t overcomplicate things. There’s no glossy sheen, but there’s also no muddiness. It feels direct as if the band is performing in the room right next to you. The drums are crisp, the guitars are sharp, and the vocals—often sung in an earnest, emotive tone—cut through with clarity.
There’s a real sense that the band wanted to strip away anything that wasn’t essential. In doing so, they’ve managed to create an album that sounds incredibly fresh while retaining that unmistakable Savak charm. If there’s a secret ingredient in Flavors Of Paradise, it’s this combination of simplicity and intensity—much like a well-balanced dish where each flavor shines through without overpowering the others. One of the most remarkable things about Savak is their ability to surprise and evolve without ever losing their core identity. After six albums, you might expect the band to settle into a comfortable groove, but they refuse to rest on their laurels. Flavors Of Paradise feels like the work of a band that still has plenty to say and plenty of ground to cover. Their refusal to stagnate is refreshing, and it exemplifies their creativity and work ethic.
Whether it’s the infectious hooks, the tight musicianship, or the cleverly crafted lyrics, Flavors Of Paradise delivers on every front. They’ve crafted an album that feels universal in its appeal. Every song feels alive, vibrant, and urgent, as though the band themselves are still hungry for more after all these years. Flavors Of Paradise stands out as a sheer example of what can be achieved when a band knows exactly who they are and what they want to say. They’ve done it again—crafted an album that not only holds your attention from start to finish but leaves you wanting more. Savak never ceases to amaze. The vinyl is available on Balkans via Geenger Records while you may check out Peculiar Work or Ernest Jenning Record Co. for the rest of the world.
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