Though enigmatic Australian duo BAK released an album back in 2010, new EP Flower (self-released) is the first time the band has released any music in the UK. Despite having a base of Beau Djekic and Kit Dyson this Arabian / Prog hybrid at times involves a full orchestra and up to 100 musicians in total. This release is, therefore, highly intriguing.

Opener ‘Too Soon’ commences with those Eastern-tinged guitars, introducing bewitching male harmonies over what is, essentially, a Soft Rock background. The explosions, when they come, are highly polished, Asian-influenced bursts of energy where melodies intertwine with jagged, rhythmic guitar work. What follows is a two-part suite entitled ‘Life & Perception’: the first, ‘Existence and Experience’, is full of subcontinental rhythms and gorgeous Arabic vocals, blended with a Rock background which incorporates a marvellous duel between lead guitar and sitar and escalates to a fast-paced, fiery coda.

Part two, ‘Through Blind Eyes’, is initially dictated by tabla drums and soft melody before bursting into life with a grinding riff and hollered choruses. A glorious middle section blends more Asian chants with flashes of anger and operatic effects, guitar and rhythms wonderfully underpinning a dramatic, passionate track. The coda, blending soft and harsh elements, is not a million miles away from the Septicflesh template and makes it impossible for the listener to sit still.

Closer ‘Dasha Hara’ combines a brief Shankar-style raga with amazing electrified sitar and Eastern Rap sections: a track at times poignant, at others enlivening, but always enthralling. For those of us who have dreamed of finding an amalgam of Rock / Metal and Asian music, here it is. Flower is as close as you’ll get to that particular form of alchemy and will leave you frothing at the mouth for more. Fantastic.

8.5 / 10

PAUL QUINN