We have been intently following the lead up to Motihari Brigade‘s album, Problematic, and previously featured their cover of Fortunate Son, the stadium-ready single, The Great Refusal, and the thought-provoking, Save Ourselves, so when we heard that Problematic was finally here, poignantly on George Orwell‘s birthday, we couldn’t wait to share our track-by-track review!

The album opens with Cowboy Armageddon, which serves as a psychedelic rock intro to the album, this leads us to the title track of the record, which opens with the lyrics, “I’m problematic baby, don’t fit inside the box, I’m problematic baby, an enigmatic paradox…”. The trippy rock energy that transmutes, aligned with the concept of the song, sums up the manifesto of the whole record. It perfectly sets the tone for an album that questions the direction of modern society. On a philosophical level, it celebrates those of us who refuse to blindly conform to popular opinion or social pressure. Its message is that independent thinking might attract some criticism, but the authenticity and being true to oneself is ultimately worthwhile.

Next up is Chatbot Don’t Like It. Immediately we are drawn in by the title and the concept. The song uses comedy and satire to criticize automated systems, censorship and the frustration of dealing with modern technology (AI) that might lack human understanding. The playful and cerebral song suggests that genuine individuality cannot always fit inside predefined rules and algorithms. We love the power-pop harmonies and the sci-fi vibes that manifest with the spoken word virtual assistant – it’s genius really. The clean version at the end of the album preserves the song’s satire while making it suitable for wider audiences.

This brings us to Save Ourselves which opens like a Queen song, evolving into a song that you might experience in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s camp but also cements the project’s stadium-ready energy. As for the message, the song argues that waiting for heroes and leaders to solve society’s problems is unrealistic. Instead, it encourages us to take responsibility for our own future and think independently.

Not What They Seem explores how appearances and mainstream accepted ideals are misleading. It’s a call for us to question assumptions and look beyond the surface before accepting something as “truth” per se. The sound is cohesive with the rest of the record, and again, the astral vocal harmonies are sublime.

We previously featured The Great Refusal which evocatively challenges institutional authority and the influence of powerful voices over public opinion. The song suggests that ordinary people may eventually reject manipulation and reclaim independent judgment. It feels like a cathartic shift in the album, which leads us through to a more optimistic direction.

Heedless Of The Storm is built around a series of questions. The prose examines conflict, propaganda, and the consequences of political decisions. It feels like a self-realization anthem for society, again, fitting into the overarching narrative of the record with a message that societies should think carefully before accepting official narratives or rushing into action. This is the longest track on the album with epic instrumentation lasting almost two minutes! To experience this live would be out of this world.

Now we trip into the future with Ten Years Time, which opens with an intricate Americana guitar soundscape with percussion like a rattle snake. The song, again laced with questions, reflects on how history often changes the way wars and major events are remembered. It’s the Mandela effect of songs, and reminds us that today’s certainty might become tomorrow’s regret once the full truth emerges. The instrumental segues invite introspection and the saxophone is transcendental. Again, this is a lengthy opus coming in at over eight minutes.

This leads us to Fortunate Son, which we featured upon its release. It remains a timeless criticism of privilege and the unequal burden of war. Its message continues to highlight the divide between those who make decisions and those who suffer the consequences.

Pleasure Craft explores humanity’s increasingly dependent relationship with technology, consumerism and digital life. It warns that convenience and endless entertainment can slowly become forms of control which feels super zeitgeist, as it’s what a lot of us are experiencing right now.

The reprise for Problematic revisits the album’s central theme with an even sharper focus on social judgment and labelling. It reinforces the idea that refusing to conform should not be mistaken for being dangerous.

This leads us to Someone’s Dream which opens with cerebral dreamlike notions and a more zen energy, designed to close the album on a reflective note. The cinematic song looks back on relationships, memories, and the lasting impact people leave in each other’s lives. It shows us that even when moments pass, our emotional connections continue to matter. The hook also resonates like a mantra of hope.

Overall, Problematic is a call to human intelligence in an increasingly automatic and authoritarian world. Motihari Brigade have succeeded in creating an album that sparks conversation and reminds us that asking difficult questions is where meaningful thought begins. For that level of consciousness, we are grateful.

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Establishing the mood with astral arpeggios and brooding bass notes, expanding with textured percussion and a saxophone melody, Basil Babychan opens The Cadence of Infinity with the title track of the album, and a sense of cinematic drama and intrigue.

The opus evolves with a luscious strings arrangement to evoke a high emotional quotient as we are taken on an intricate and instrumentally masterful journey, tapping into timeless nature and a graceful identity. There is no doubt that the track The Cadence of Infinity would be perfect for a range of sync deals – perhaps the opening scene of a movie like a Mission Impossible sequel or even an Avatar movie. We appreciate the orchestral build, robust and with an epic crescendo that builds to a climax.

Next up is Phantasm which opens a strings frequency, a riser and intricate piano riffs. The cinematic allure is maintained from the album opener, but there is a space to breathe. Delicate in its performance, the percussion feels more contemporary, almost futuristic. A cosmic wind melody guides us before xylophone details intertwine with piano and textured beats and strings risers to manifest an energy that feels akin to an illusion – in line with the title of the track.

Insentient Nature follows with a meditative energy and a moody piano performance. We feel still and simultaneously moved. There are notions of melancholia and an emotional depth at play here. The drama evolves with cerebral, spacey glitched details. This reminds us of outerspace, further humanised by vocal synths, creating a tapestry of juxtaposition – again a reflection of the unique title of the track – reminding us of the conscious nature of technology.

This leads us to Psalm of the Winds, which retains the futuristic notions with a meditative charm, expanding into the most robust and tech heavy production thus far. The drums manifest an alternative rock energy, whilst the strings are bold and emotionally charged. A boundless series of synth arpeggios build an almost psychedelic energy, whilst the overarching sentiment of the peace feels brimful of yearning and transcendence – a liminal space where technology and spirit combine.

Transient is next which feels like a fitting continuation. Cinematic keys and celestial textures and sonic details guide us. We feel at peace. There is minimalism following the boldness of its predecessor. We appreciate the cerebral percussion nuances, and the meditative strings arrangement with glistening piano motifs.

Next is Sun Dance, which immediately holds an optimistic vibe. Major key cadences bring us life like solar flares. There is no drama, only calm. The timelessness that the piece exudes channels warmth and comfort. This feels like a return to form, to nature, to safety.

The Early Rise again channels a more peaceful frequency. The piano is delicate and the choral synths are magnetic. We appreciate the poetic energy and the grace that the composition imbues us with. Finally, Soul and Solace lends itself to a fusion of what we have experienced before. It feels like a channelling of completeness, of oneness, of all that has been and is yet to come. A notion of finality and ascension for the record. The orchestral strings tap into a high emotional quotient, whilst the piano leads us to connect with elements of existentialism. The final motif of peace is truly in the afterlife.

There is no doubt that The Cadence of Infinity serves as a sonic journey through movement, reflection, and inner awakening. It is an exploration of the infinite rhythm that flows between emotion and existence.

Basil Babychan is an Indian-Dutch composer and producer whose work bridges the worlds of Neoclassical and Modern Classical music. We learn that he is guided by his philosophy of creating “Music of the Soul, for the Soul, from the Soul.” This certainly transmutes with the high spiritual quotient of The Cadence of Infinity.

Naturally, we are in awe, and have added various tracks to our New Music Spotlight playlist, our TIMELESS playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream Basil Babychan‘s wider discography, including his 2020 EP Accidentally Incorporated.

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1. Black Sea

The album opens with Black Sea, an initiation into a heightened state of sonic consciousness. An astral synth shimmers over minimalist percussion, setting the foundation for what feels like an intergalactic awakening. The dimensionality of the track expands like an unfolding lotus, each petal revealing new layers of percussive texture and spectral resonance. The neotenous voice – “Hello, I’m here for party…” – acts as both a guide and a disruptor, embodying the paradox of innocence within the vast, adult expanse of techno spirituality. The orgasmic ad-libs, woven into cerebral melodic elements, add an almost tantric quality to the composition, culminating in a finale that introduces a subversive, whirring bass – an organic, pulsating force.

2. Discovery

Picking up where Black Sea left off, Discovery teases us with the familiar laughter from the previous track, establishing a thematic cohesion that permeates the album. This track embodies techno futurism, pulsating with reverberating drums and an evolving soundscape that feels both industrial and ethereal. Chopped-up vocals flicker through the mix like spectral echoes, creating a cerebral tension that is both hypnotic and thrilling. The expansive nature of Discovery makes it feel as though it’s unfolding in real time, guided by an unseen cosmic force.

3. Shooting Star

A woodblock percussive motif opens Shooting Star, anchoring the track in an earthy, tribal rhythm before launching into pure techno transcendence. The fusion of textured dynamism with futuristic precision makes it a track suited for both the dance floor and introspective journeys – whether hiking through landscapes, lifting weights, or navigating neon-lit highways at night. The meditative loops, punctuated by the sudden burst of gunshot samples, create a gripping contrast, a push-and-pull between tranquility and chaos.

4. Neptune

A celestial meditation unfolds in Neptune, where frequency and rhythm exist in perfect harmony. The track begins in an almost prayerful state, an ethereal calm upheld by intricate percussion. As the piece crescendos, synth risers lift the composition to a higher vibrational plane, hinting at something deeply spiritual. A cinematic quality emerges, making this track feel like a soundtrack to a Matrix-like awakening – where the listener is neither fully present nor absent, but suspended in an enigmatic in-between.

5. Strange Planet

Strange Planet begins with a countdown, a moment of grounding before we are launched into uncharted sonic terrain. The track introduces warped alien soundscapes, reinforcing the psychedelic nature of the album. Woods constructs a sound world that feels like a DMT-induced hallucination – colours, shapes, and textures twisting into auditory forms. The piece is hypnotic, challenging our perception of time and space.

6. The Army Who Goes Party

Here, the record dives deeper into progressive techno, blending glitch-pop elements with a relentless driving force. The rhythm is militaristic, a structured march towards ecstatic oblivion. Fragmented, digitized vocals glitch in and out, adding an unpredictable edge to the track. It’s a reminder that Techno Village is not just about danceable beats – it’s an experiment in controlled chaos.

7. Mario

One of the most dimensional tracks on the record, Mario is a masterclass in techno futurism. The boundless energy surges through bouncing cerebral synths and chopped ad-libs, creating a rhythmic feedback loop that feels infinite. The production is layered with meticulous detail, making it feel less like a track and more like a living, breathing entity. It’s a hypnotic simulation of movement, a kinetic playground where sound exists in a perpetual state of becoming.

8. Hot Drops

Opening with a peaceful frequency, Hot Drops builds its tension with warped woodblock motifs—a signature of the album. What makes this track particularly genius is the use of sound design to evoke literal imagery: the dripping of molten lava, the sensation of heat dissipating into air. Woods proves here that sound design isn’t just a technical aspect – it’s an artistic statement, capable of bending reality itself.

9. Towelie

If Hot Drops played with elemental textures, Towelie sends us into orbit. The track’s cerebral opener simulates the experience of boarding a spaceship, with an attention to sound design that is both exquisite and daring. In the modern electronic landscape, where overproduced simplicity often dominates, Woods reminds us that meticulous, unique sound design is what separates the transient from the timeless. The track also embraces a marijuana reference, reinforcing the album’s connection to altered states of consciousness.

10. Roger’s Concentration

With an 8-bit aesthetic fused with rich dimensionality, Roger’s Concentration feels like a trip through a glitching video game. Slurping sounds, trippy transitions, and pulsating rhythms create an auditory maze, forcing the listener to let go of expectations and surrender to the surreal. It’s playful yet cerebral, a sonic riddle with no clear solution.

11. Fear and Loathing

Opening with German spoken-word ad-libs, Fear and Loathing leans into its cheeky, hallucinogenic aesthetic. Drug references are woven seamlessly into the track, serving both as humor and social commentary. It’s a testament to the poetic creativity of Woods and his collaborators – balancing playfulness with a deep, underlying intensity. The strong melodic synth contrasts beautifully with the chaotic spoken elements, creating a track that is as introspective as it is provocative. The fact that every track on Techno Village is around five minutes long is refreshing in an era oversaturated with TikTok-friendly, bite-sized productions. Woods challenges us to sit with the music, to let it unfold naturally.

12. Limitless

The album closes with Limitless, a pulsating culmination of the past eleven tracks. This piece takes elements from earlier moments – warped percussion, ethereal ad-libs, celestial synths – and fuses them into a grand finale. It is bolder, more experimental, infused with a fuzz-laden drama that sets it apart. Tempo shifts add a thrilling unpredictability, as if the entire record is dissolving into its final, ecstatic form.

Techno Village is a journey, a sensory experience that transcends the limitations of genre. Saniel Woods, alongside SpacePea and Sandro, has crafted a record that is at once hypnotic, cinematic, and deeply spiritual. Tracks like Towelie and Limitless showcase Woods’ ability to push the boundaries of sound, creating music that doesn’t just hit, it elevates.

As a testament to techno’s limitless potential, Techno Village stands as a significant release in the electronic music landscape. Whether played in a packed club, on a solitary hike, or in the deep recesses of the subconscious, it remains an electrifying, multidimensional adventure. We have added Hot Drops and Limitless to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to explore Saniel Woods‘ wider discography, including Rainforest, and Be Mine.

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The album opens with Divide & Conquer, a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the entire project. The track immediately immerses us in an orchestral soundscape punctuated by hip-hop rhythms, creating a dynamic and cinematic atmosphere. Lyrically, Anoush delves into the political strategy of “divide and conquer,” using this concept as a metaphor for the cosmic struggle between unity and division. Her vocals, both assertive and ethereal, highlight the tension between the physical and metaphysical realms. The track’s key change is nothing short of phenomenal, adding drama and intensity reminiscent of P!nk‘s earlier works. Anoush’s ability to fuse orchestral grandeur with contemporary beats underscores her unique approach to music-making, making this opener a captivating start.

Transitioning into Golden Hills, Anoush transports us to a dystopian vision of Los Angeles, where the haunting aftermath of forest fires looms large. The track begins with static interference, setting an ominous tone before a philosophical spoken-word intro. Anoush‘s ethereal vocals paint a vivid picture of ash floating in the wind, a stark contrast to the once-vibrant cityscape. The darker, almost apocalyptic edge of the song is a reflection on environmental destruction and existential uncertainty. As she questions, “Is this the beginning or the end?”, Anoush invites us to ponder the cyclical nature of life and destruction. The minimalist production emphasizes the starkness of the lyrics, making Golden Hills a thought-provoking and somber listen.

With Brave Girl, Anoush shifts gears, introducing a jazz-pop infused track that stands out as an anthem of empowerment and resilience. The song opens with a captivating saxophone riff, immediately drawing the listener in. Anoush’s vocals here are both powerful and tender, delivering metaphorical prose that speaks to the challenges of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The memorable hook, “She’s a Brave Girl, just trying to save the world, talking about Jesus, in the house of hell…”, captures the essence of the song – an exploration of faith, courage, and the strength required to confront inner and outer demons. The production, moody and layered, complements the lyrics, instilling a sense of confidence and motivation. Brave Girl is not just a song but a rallying cry for those on a journey of self-empowerment.

Take a Trip opens with a stunning Spanish guitar, immediately setting a mystical and otherworldly tone. Anoush’s voice, delicate yet commanding, invites us to open our hearts and minds, to embark on a journey into her universe. The song evolves with an ethereal quality, blending traditional instrumentation with modern electronic elements, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. The vocal riffs are sublime, showcasing Anoush’s technical prowess and emotive delivery. This track feels like an invitation—a call to experience the world through Anoush’s eyes, where reality and fantasy intertwine.

This brings us to Lies, which introduces an arpeggiated synthscape that builds into an immersive, atmospheric track. The production is haunting, with layers of synths creating a sense of tension and unease. Anoush’s lyrics are poignant and direct, as she sings, “I know what you did…”, delivering a chilling narrative of betrayal and deception. The track’s dark, brooding energy serves as a critical turning point in the album, furthering the narrative of duality—truth versus lies, reality versus illusion. The minimalist arrangement allows Anoush’s voice to take center stage, making the emotional weight of the lyrics all the more impactful.

Following the intensity of Lies, The Letter slows the pace with a heartfelt ballad that showcases Anoush’s more vulnerable side. The song is rich with emotion, as she sings about longing and loss with a tenderness that resonates deeply. The piano-driven melody is simple yet effective, providing a stark backdrop for Anoush’s vocals, which are filled with raw emotion. This track highlights her ability to convey deep feeling through minimalistic arrangements, making The Letter a poignant and memorable moment on the album.

June Gloom brings the energy back up with a super-dimensional guitar performance and pulsating drums. The track has a palpable charm, with Anoush’s vocals exuding both strength and vulnerability. The production is vibrant, with the guitars and drums creating a driving rhythm that contrasts with the introspective lyrics. Anoush’s ability to blend such contrasts – upbeat rhythms with melancholic themes – is a testament to her skill as a songwriter and producer.

Opening with an intimate piano performance, Red Roses is perhaps the darkest track on the album. The lyrics are dramatic and filled with imagery that evokes a sense of foreboding. Anoush sings with a haunting beauty, her voice layered with ethereal choral vocals that add depth to the track. The lyrics, “Off with your head…”, bring a chilling fairytale-like quality to the song, reminiscent of dark fantasy stories. The track’s production is cinematic, with the piano and vocals creating a tense, atmospheric soundscape that feels perfect for a dramatic scene in a TV show like Pretty Little Liars. Red Roses stands out for its intensity and the way it encapsulates the album’s themes of darkness and light.

Dark Woods begins with the eerie sounds of howling and nature, immediately transporting the listener to a mystical, otherworldly setting. The track features a timeless piano performance, accompanied by atmospheric vocals that add to the song’s ethereal quality. There’s a trap-adjacent beat that introduces a modern twist to the otherwise classical sound, with rippling hi-hats creating a sense of urgency and tension. Anoush’s vocals guide us through this dark, enigmatic landscape, making Dark Woods a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the unknown. The track feels like a journey through a mythical forest, filled with both wonder and danger.

Next is I Will Behave, which introduces a more theatrical edge to the album, with dramatic vocals and a production that feels larger than life. The track cements the narrative of the record, echoing themes of duality and the struggle between conformity and rebellion. The production is reminiscent of artists like Sevdaliza, with its theme and blend of avant-garde pop elements. Anoush’s performance is captivating, as she oscillates between restraint and abandon, embodying the conflict at the heart of the song. I Will Behave is both a declaration and a question, challenging the listener to consider the cost of obedience and the power of defiance.

As the penultimate track, Obsessed is full of charm and energy, driven by a pulsating beat that’s impossible to ignore. The production is sleek, with a danceable rhythm that contrasts with the introspective lyrics. Anoush’s vocals are playful yet intense, capturing the obsessive nature of infatuation and desire. The track is infectious, with a hook that stays with you long after the song ends. We can easily imagine this being a highlight of Anoush’s live performances, with its catchy melody and vibrant energy.

The album closes with Glistening, a track that opens with a delicate, shimmering soundscape that feels like an ascent into the ethereal. The piano, intertwined with subtle electronic elements, creates a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Anoush’s vocals are soft and tender, bringing the album to a gentle, yet powerful conclusion. The track feels like an ascension, a fitting end to an album that has taken us through the depths of darkness and the heights of light. Glistening leaves us with a sense of peace and resolution, a beautiful final note in Anoush’s exploration of duality and spirituality.

TWO by Anoush is an ambitious and inventive album that defies easy categorization. Through its twelve tracks, Anoush invites listeners to explore complex themes of duality, spirituality, and self-discovery, all while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Each track offers something unique, yet the album remains cohesive, a testament to Anoush’s vision and artistry.

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