Babal – The Big Everything – Melodic Revolution Records
Released at the beginning of 2020, ‘Frank’s Lament’ is the third of the EP’s completing the second part of the trilogy, which will be finalized with the release of the ‘(I’m Just A) Spirit In A Meat Suit’ later this year. Singer Karen Langley suffered a potentially terminal blood cancer in 2019 (she undertook extensive chemo, which was brutal, and a stem cell transplant), and she is now in remission. Because of this, the band has made the decision that all profits from this release will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. The last EP featured just two songs while this one has four, with the opening title cut being the longest at more than 9 minutes. A couple of shorter numbers then lead us into a live version of “Endless Re-Run Society”.
The three EP’s every run to more than 20 minutes in length, combining together to form one full-length album, so perhaps it isn’t surprising they are similar in style, although “The Axe” is quite different to the others with a concentration on Karen’s vocals combined with whirling synths. It makes me think of a very modern folk song in terms of its lyrics and approach, not something I would normally associate with this band. Karen is often using her voice as an instrument, challenging norms, so it is nice to hear her singing with emotion in a more “normal” manner. “Bones & Blood” starts off almost orchestral in fashion, but soon we get the jagged edge and syncopation as Rob and Jon come in to turn it into something quite different. Their music is a combination of performance art, space rock, krautrock, Talking Heads, RIO and experimentation and this all comes to a climax in the live cut which ends the EP. The three EP’s together make quite a set, certainly worthy of an investigation who wants their progressive rock to sound nothing like Genesis.
Part 2B of The Circle of Confusion of Tongues Trilogy “The Big Everything” EP available for Pre-Order, The CD is a Limited Edition of only 75 Numbered CDs “The Big Everything” EP is also available as a high-quality Download via Melodic Revolution Records Catalog No. MRR-CD-2216
Included With The CD Is A Full Colour A4 Poster Of The Front Cover (“Face Melt”) By Andy White Plus A Mystery Babal Item!!.
Tracklisting 1. The Big Everything (19:34) 2. Beggars To Chance (8:50)
Part 2B of BABAL’s “The Circle of Confusion of Tongues” trilogy moves into epic musical territory with the EP, “The Big Everything/ Beggars to Chance”. (total running time 28:24)
“The Big Everything” begins with a bluesy/jazz invitation to experience the grand design of life imagined. Shifting moods and musical motifs smoothly, this track winds along a tale of desire, yearning, and soul-searching.
At times the piece is almost medieval in tone and color, moving out towards a dark folk-tale ending. Progressive, cinematic and deeply seductive, this piece links specifically to “The Glacier” track from last years’ EP (Part 2A) “Beggars to Chance” is a protest and survive song – backed by tight rhythmic drums, bass, keyboards, and guitar synths/solos.
The plaintive call to arms speaks of dying to life and living in the moment – recurring lyrical themes for Karen Langley in this trilogy. The beautiful psychedelic art of Andy White graces this EP, together with the intense, avant-garde artwork of Paul Kopal; all pieced together by the skillful Rachel Armour.
Digested description; A tempestuous Babal-Noir trip; hard-boiled bedlam mixed with transcendental corridors of communication. Musically inventive and arranged and produced with passionate intensity. “Here we go, here we go, here we go…….”
Watch The Big Everything Teaser Below
BABAL : Karen Langley – Vocals, lyrics, arrangements Rob Williams – Guitars/synthesis Jon Sharp – Drums
Guest artists: Paul Smith – Bass on “The Big Everything” Zoie Green – Keyboards on “Beggars To Chance” Ben Balsom – Bass on “Beggars To Chance”
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