Following the demise of The Woolgathering, New Yorkers Jon Ehlers - (Vocals/Synths/Samplers) and Atif Haq (Drums) formed Bangladeafy in 2009. The band's unusual name is a portmanteau of the words Bangladeshi (Haq's heritage) and a reference to the sensorineural hearing loss of Ehlers.
Prior to Vulture the duo debuted with 2011's This is Your Brain on Bugs, 2013's The Briefcase EP, 2016's Narcopaloma, 2018's Ribbon Cutter and 2020's Housefly. For the majority of their career they have been on the Nefarious Industries label, home to great artists such as Mac Gollehon, Plum Green and Gridfailure. This latest release reportedly sees a maturity in both sound and lyrical themes and I for one am chomping at the bit to get stuck in.
'Lonely White Inferno' at a mere 45 seconds is the album's shortest track and is awash with both bristling electronica and ambient atmospherics that are laden with prospective tension. Its an intro in essence and a damn fine one at that. 'Whisper Rat' showcases the aforementioned newfound musical maturity, toning down the frantic Prog-Punk and incorporating more spacious Electronic elements and I was reminded of The Dillinger Escape Plan's own Progression on Miss Machine (a personal favourite). It also looks like touring with Godflesh has paid off, with the Vocals reminiscent of Justin Broadrick. An all-round fantastic number. 'We Will Never Be Safe in This Place' feels inspired by NIN and their superlative The Fragile album, hell, the title even sounds like the type of thing Trent might have come up with. Its demonstrative of Bangladeafy's new found lust for musical progression. Beautification', the first single from Vulture references mid to late 80's Ministry as well as sadly overlooked Synth-Punk outfit The Screamers, its that good and a whole heap of fun, meanwhile 'Pastures' is a nod to both Math-Rock and its proponents Don Caballero and The Locust, a fond nostalgic tip of the hat to the band's earlier output. 'Washed By The Dust Storm' is a glorious slice of New Wave that feels absolutely lifted straight out of the 80's (Depeche Mode, The Chameleons) but one laden with an infectious energy. 'Prism' hints at the geeky charms of early Devo as well as a Kraftwerkian man-machine obsession (cue the robotic Vocals). 'Don't Take My Light Away' is beautifully meditative in a manner that would make Jean Michel Jarre and John Carpenter positively envious seguewaying effortlessly into 'Diamond', catchy EBM ala Skinny Puppy that your average Goth would get a massive kick out of.
'Dreams Are For the Weak' at a mere 59 seconds is an interlude piece that offers the listener a pleasant respite while 'Earn Your Colors' sounds like its evil twin with the harsh Vocals and Punky Industrial Noise-Rock. I love this abrupt change in musical tempos and styles, a twisted take on the Pixies Quiet-Loud dynamic if you will. 'First to the Carcass' as implied by the grim sounding title is creepy and ominous, aurally resembling echoed footsteps as the song's protagonist approaches said carcass. 'Belly Up' again recalls Ministry with a little Prong style Thrashcore vibe that was always going to be up my street. 'Mirage' again brings The Chameleons and John Carpenter to the listeners consciousness, which is never a bad thing, finally '15 Hounds' concludes proceedings on a more chaotic note which has for the most part been largely absent from the record, yet which feels entirely necessary.
Bangladeafy are about as far removed from singalong stadium Rock B.S. as you can get. They are instead an intriguing and forward thinking band who have produced a truly exceptional record.
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