Eschewing entirely the notions of guitars and bass, two-piece Industrial / Electronica / call-it-what-you’d-like outfit Bangladeafy take a less-is-more approach for sixth full-length, Vulture (Nefarious Industries), with a (pleasingly) heavy emphasis on blending songs into the next, cementing that this record should be listened to the old-school way.

The first record with a new label, the creativity of Jon Ehlers (vocals, synth, samplers) and Atif Haq (drums) is anything but minimalist despite having just the two musicians. It’s a fifteen-song opus that falls just short of thirty minutes total.

The sheer range of iconography and imagery presented is bountiful to say the least. “Washed By The Dust Storm” takes on an 8-bit style with synths and electronics that actually sound organic and well-placed, as opposed to standard, milquetoast video-game music. 

“Whisper Rat” sees echoed harsh vocal lines that accompany swirling noises in the background. In fact, the vocal cadence begins to take the shape of someone performing slam poetry in some abandoned shed that can be in use only until someone calls the police and it gets shut down.

It is also interesting how the pair are able to mimic groovy riffs without even having guitars present (“Beautification”). The track also features lively pacing and arrangements, something that is neither sparse on Vulture nor poorly executed.

“Diamond” begins with a possible nod to Cyberpunk 2077 in its futuristic leanings but soon devolves into a progressively malfunctioning composition. Additionally, a somber and gentle piano emerges on “We Will Never Be Safe In This Place,” and it builds to become what feels like the end credits of a video game after a cliffhanger conclusion. 

There is such a bevy of uniquely sounding tracks and inspired musical journeys on Vulture that you’d never imagine it was the brainchild of two people. And that’s the allure of Bangladeafy. This record was meant to be listened to sequentially, and the patience pays off in dividends once everything is all said and done.

Buy the album here:
https://bangladeafy.bandcamp.com/album/vulture

8 / 10
MATT COOK