Babal, the English band, return this year with a new album, Who Will I Be When I Leave?; which will be released on Melodic Revolution Records, on September 16, 2022.
This is a wonderful amalgamation of progressive rock mixed well with Frank Zappa – like experimentation. A very eclectic mix of music, which will provide a nice break from the routine of music you may currently be listening to daily. All members of Babal are virtuoso musicians and their blend of music and critical mass of presence can be compared to Talking Heads, Zappa, Beefheart, Hendrix, Primus, Bent Knee and Patti Smith. I would add some of the fun of the B-52s to this list as well. It must be very complex music to make and play, because of all the time, music and rhythm changes.
Babal is made up of: Karen Langley, on vocals; Rob Williams, on guitars, synth, bass, and programming; Jon Sharp, on drums. They have invited guest artist, Paul Smith, to play bass on “Corkscrew Rider” and “Doors”. The band has an extensive discography which reaches back to 2012’s Shape of the Flux. With recorded music being produced almost every year since.
Every track on the album is stimulating to the mind and interesting on its own merits. Each track is completely different and their music does not fit a certain pattern; or prog’s favorite term, concept. The concepts flow throughout this album, as it veers through modern life and its effects on all of us.
My favorite tracks were: “3 Minutes”, a great romp through modern times, “Corkscrew Rider”, with its bold keyboards and synths, “Dead End Friends”; “The Wolf Slips Up Quickly”, which is one of the more proggier tracks, with a bluesy feel to it, “Made Without Instructions”, is full of brilliant insights, “Baby Wants Freedom”, opens with excellent keyboards, as well as some powerful political statements against rigid conservatism.
“Doors”, is probably my favorite track on the album. Eerie and full of mystery at its opening. Great guitar and keyboards providing a deep and epic opening. Almost instrumentally journeying, where the famous band from LA tried to go back in the 1960s and 70s. It is full of psychedelic sounds, as well. They add some Manzarek-like keyboards to make it just perfect. It is also the longest track on the album, and it is a warm musical journey, worth travelling. The lyrics are also perfect, “You say open the door. I say burn it down!”
The title track, Who Will I Be When I Leave?, opens with a Pink Floyd feel and sound to it. Deep bass and great electric lead guitar. An introspective, personal discovery type song.
This is a unique and interesting mix of music you should give a chance. It will provide the necessary variation in sound we all need to grow and prevent living in the mundane. “Try it, you’ll like it”, they used to say in that TV commercial from the 70s. Get Babal’s Who Will I Be When I Leave?, and enjoy something different…for a change.
Who Will I Be When I Leave?, was recorded and mixed by Rob Williams & Karen Langley. The album was engineered by Martin Nicholls. The artwork was created by © Karen Langley, Rob Williams, and Lord Iain Hawk. Lyrics were written by © Karen Langley and Lee Henderson.
Track List:
1. 3 Minutes (7.12)
2. Sitting Pretty (6.54)
3. Corkscrew Rider (8.22)
4. Dead End Friends (4.35)
5. The Wolf Slips Up Quickly (6.17)
6. Made Without Instructions (5.00)
7. Baby Wants Freedom (7.59)
8. Doors (12.10)
9. Who Will I Be When I Leave? (3.52)
Links:
Homepage: https://babal.rocks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babalband
Bandcamp: https://babal.bandcamp.com/
Melodic Revolution Records Link: https://mrrmusic.com/project/babal/
Contact: babalband@aol.com
Another amazing musical ride through this corkscrew we call “life”, only this looks through the spyglass into the “end”.
Thoughtful, provocative, and aurally pleasing as it massages the grey/gray matter.
It is not what you see… tis what you feel….
Babal… another brilliant page to add to your Canon, Amen.