There are rock reunions, and then there are rock reunions. Some shine (the Zombies, the Rascals), others tarnish (Police, the post-Morrison, Densmore-less Doors). But blink and you might have missed one of the most important reunions, at least in terms of roots rock – that of Barrence Whitfield and the Savages.

With guitarist Peter Greenberg and bassist Phil Lenker, both formerly of Boston garage band the Lyres, Whitfield and the Savages released their self-titled debut in ’84. The album was a wild mix of rockabilly and old-school R&B that suited leather-lunged Whitfield’s Little Richardesque vocals.

When Whitfield introduced an entirely revamped Savages with 1987’s Ow!Ow! Ow!, some hardcore followers felt he’d sold out – more testament to the rawness of the original band than assessment of the new combo, featuring guitarist Milton Reder. Whitfield put the Savages on hold for most of the ’90s and recorded two excellent Americana albums with singer/songwriter Tom Russell.

From the borderline punk of opener “The Corner Man,” co-written by Greenberg, who doubles as producer (with Lenker also returning), this verily screams, “The Savages are back!” Greenberg’s aggressive guitar is equal parts blues and pre-psychedelic garage – like Whitfield and his battleship of a quartet, truly savage.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s December. ’13 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.