BAKUDI SCREAM, the creative alias of performer and composer Rohan Chander, lately debuted his second studio album, Prey, by way of a collaboration with Alarm Will Sound. This album leverages a various palette of sampled sounds drawn from hardcore music, movie, hip hop, and varied different genres, presenting a dynamic soundscape in opposition to which songs sung in English, Hindi, and Tamil delve into the rising right-wing actions in South Asia. The juxtaposition of contrasting cultural sounds is placing, and at its peak, Prey transforms its eclectic combine right into a cohesive creative assertion; nevertheless, it faces critiques when mere association of parts lacks clear communicative depth.
The album’s opener, “nonetheless loading…,” introduces listeners to a tapestry of synthesized static competing for consideration in opposition to wealthy string preparations, with occasional piano notes punctuating the stream. Curiously, this second options the album’s singular occasion of totally non-sampled music offered as a simulated soundscape. Chander creatively performs with the thought of recording, reworking it into samples, making it a compelling introduction that aligns with the overarching themes of the venture.
Opposite to any expectations of superbly intertwined strings with noisy electronics, “PROTECTION” catapults listeners right into a vigorous mix of black metallic and shoegaze paying homage to the final decade. Clocking in at 3.5 minutes, the observe options relentless blast beats and atmospheric guitars interspersed with distant screams, abruptly transitioning right into a minute-long sequence of motor-like digital sounds.
Serving as a distillation of Prey‘s core idea, “you on, god?” epitomizes the juxtaposition of numerous musical kinds. It opens with a flute, disrupted by percussion, then flows by way of orchestral samples, guitars, and extra percussion in a frenetic back-and-forth. The climactic texture builds round 1:57, introducing drum loops alongside a sampled choir, weaving a posh sonic narrative.
Nonetheless, recognizable samples can hinder a observe’s originality. In “Greed/Masters,” for instance, manipulated vocal samples from Fugazi’s “Greed” dominate the sound panorama. Whereas the observe provides intriguing textures, the familiarity of the unique can overshadow the brand new composition, distracting from the meant progressive fusion.
Midway by way of the album, the Fugazi pattern transitions into one from “Vaathi Raid” from the Tamil-language movie Grasp (2021). Though the mix of those samples presents an thrilling “What a intelligent concept!” second, the dearth of a extra important thematic connection diminishes the impression; each samples successfully deal with resistance in opposition to socio-political forces however fail to create a extra profound dialogue.
The following 5 tracks type a conceptual suite targeted on particular textural explorations intertwined with vocals or samples from distinctive traditions. “BrownApe.wmd” resonates with a Fugazi vibe, using a sluggish, dub-inflected groove as a backdrop for experimental improvisations. That is disrupted by the repetitive phrase, “and a brown ape clinking a heavy chain.” “The Conquest” incorporates parts of trip-hop and shoegaze with a mix of samples and Hindi lyrics. Then, “HE WHO IS PUNISHED CAN DANCE IN HELL” navigates by way of entice and noise rock, whereas “My Preyers (after Keiichi)” is basically ambient, that includes spoken phrase and choral samples, and “subjugation know-how” employs a pulsating drum sample beneath a seemingly digital guitar.
The album’s conclusion, “What Have I Achieved?” kicks off with a pattern from The Matrix, spiraling into an immersive soundscape stuffed with strings, guitars, and vocals. Within the context of sampling, referencing a movie centered on simulation is a alternative stuffed with potential which means; nevertheless, merely using the pattern lacks deeper exploration, reflecting a pattern all through the album the place conceptual hyperlinks are hinted at however not often totally realized.
Musically, Prey delivers a fascinating and extremely practical listening expertise. The mixing of samples with dwell and manipulated sounds creates pleasant sonic landscapes wealthy with surprises. However, the album’s promotional messaging extols broader themes regarding the interplay of varied musical diasporas and their ties to social and political dynamics.
Essentially, BAKUDI SCREAM excels in meticulously navigating an awesome array of musical parts and persuading listeners of their cohesiveness. But, artwork doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The music echoes and interacts with surrounding cultures. BAKUDI SCREAM totally acknowledges this precept and strives to embody it within the album’s development. Regrettably, whereas Prey stays listenable and vibrant, it typically falls wanting fulfilling the in depth promise it suggests.
I CARE IF YOU LISTEN is an editorially impartial initiative of the American Composers Discussion board, supported by beneficiant donations. The views expressed herein solely mirror these of the creator and will not symbolize the views of ICIYL or ACF.
You may help ICIYL by making a tax-deductible reward to ACF. To study extra about ACF, please go to composersforum.org.
