BANGLADEAFY

The band Bangladeafy cites both Nine Inch Nails and Skinny Puppy as a few of their influences. Well, if you take the wildest tracks from both of those artists and then condense them down into a small soup can, the power you'll receive from the blast of energy that comes out when you pop open that can will probably come close to explaining what this album is like.

It is condensed, for sure, down to less than twenty minutes, which is spread out among 13 tracks, the longest one being the last one at 2:48. But, be ready, because the power of a full 50 minute album is smooshed into those few minutes. As the album begins with a deceptively melodic and smooth "Theme from Housefly" and then suddenly moves into the noisy and chaotic "Bloom", you'll be introduced to some of the wildest industrial noise art prog rock that you've heard this year. With the growling, grungy vocals of Jon Ehlert occasionally accompanying his innovative synth and the creative and talented drumming of mad man Arif Haq, this noisy, yet extremely sequence of short, yet completely fulfilling suite of tracks will take you by pleasant surprise.

However, the overall experience is not just a wall of noise. There is so much to hear in this album that each time you put it on, you'll hear riffs and melodies that you missed before, each time the music/noise will bring new and exciting discoveries. There are short interlude style sections that quite effectively tie everything together brilliantly. In fact, the tracks are tied all together, and, unless you are paying attention, you might think of it all as one long, progressive track. That's another beauty of this album, you can listen to it both ways: as a set of short compositions, or as one 17 minute long work. Either way, it is quite an experience.

The main highlight in my opinion is the combination of the tracks "Shortcuts/Third Instar/Lifeforms/Pupa/Tar" as the tracks flow seamlessly from one style/section to another. Also, the final track "Youthanor" should not be missed as it is the final kicker for the album that actually takes time at the end to cool things down as the synth fades off into the infinite abyss and you float along with it catching your breath.

If you don't like noisy, experimental, industrial style prog, this might not be for you. But, I consider it one of the best albums I've heard in 2020, and you don't have a whole lot to lose if you decide to give it a try, only 17 minutes of your life. I understand that not everyone will like it, but you should at least give it a try. Those that appreciate noisy industrial prog will definitely appreciate this, but I think it will also appeal to others. If you appreciate great talent, the synth riffs and the drumming technique here should not be missed.

This little album just might be the kick you need to help get you through any future lock downs.