Short Reviews [Babal - 2023 - "Let's Get Lucid"]

Karen Langley (vocals, lyrics, arrangements), Rob Williams (guitars, guitar synth, programming), and Jon Sharp (drums) are back with their latest album, which opens with a song more than 20 minutes in length, so a great start. The first time I came across this band, some years ago, I must admit to not being a fan, but as my tastes have grown somewhat wider over the years I am now much better able to appreciate their music, which undoubtedly will not be to everyone’s cup of tea. As it accurately says within the press release, “Babal reveal a dystopian, offbeat view of life; their cinematic, psych/art-rock approach calling up comparisons with Talking Heads , Zappa, Beefheart, Hendrix, Primus, Bent Knee and Patti Smith among many.” Talking Heads has always been a focal point for me with Babal, with music which has edges so sharp and angular that it is possible to get cut just by listening to them. Jon is never content to sit at the back but is determined to be part of the main approach, while Karen provides a multitude of different personalities and characters and Rob moves seamlessly through different instruments as he builds a soundscape. This is uncompromising stuff, from a band who are anti-establishment and true punk to the core, and given that both Karen and Rob have survived serious cancer diagnoses they are giving two fingers to the world. This is not gentle progressive rock which fits warmly in the bosom of Pink Floyd and Genesis lovers, but instead is challenging and not expecting to be liked by the masses as that is never their intent. This is crafted art rock, progressive in its truest sense, as one never knows where the musical journey is going to lead, just that the listener will be all the richer by the end of it. Could it be argued that Crass are joining forces with Cardiacs to deliver a Beefheart take on Byrne? Possibly, but instead of attempting to work out the influences and wonder how to describe them, instead say this is classic Babal with the band putting their troubles behind them and being at full strength and power. Long may they continue as for prog to survive it needs to be as uncompromising and challenging as this.