Who Will I Be When I Leave?
Melodic Revolution, 2022
9/10
Listen to Who Will I Be When I Leave?
A very eclectic prog-influenced outfit from the UK, Karen Langley (vocals), Rob Williams (guitars, guitar synth, bass, programming) and Jon Sharp (drums) make up Babal, and they’ve got some guests along for these very unpredictable 9 tracks.
“3 Minutes” starts the listen with an atypically textured version of prog-rock sounds that benefits from pretty singing and Sharp’s agile drumming, and “Sitting Pretty” follows with a driving pace of bright synth and swirling guitars, as the setting turns into a highly melodic execution.
Further on, the dreamy quality of “Dead End Friends” give it almost a cinematic quality, where expressive storytelling balances warmth and tension, while “The Wolf Slips Up Quickly” recruits Paul Smith on bass and showcases Lee Henderson’s lyrics amid busier, precisely textured dynamics.
Near to the end, the glowing synth and eloquent talking of “Baby Wants Freedom” makes for a distinct, psyche-rock flavored album highlight, and the title track exits with a thicker presence of their prog ways that’s as memorable as it is complex.
Often times reminding us of the creative sounds coming out of Norway’s prog-rock scene, whether this is your first experience with Babal or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to be impressed.
Travels well with: Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep; Bjorn Riis- Everything To Everyone