Bookakee
« Whorrific »
Unsigned/Independent
2013
First album out of their artistic gate, Montreal’s BOOKAKEE have returned with Whorrific since 2011’s ep, Invasion of the Depraved. Boasting diverse musical backgrounds as MAGISTER DIXIT, OXIDIZED FAITH and VALFREYA, the five-piece certainly have brought a variety of diverse influences into the fold to mark a very satisfying listen!
What is immediately apparent, right from the open bars of A Night to Dismember is the array of musical ideas on offer. Ranging from brutal death to grind to heavy alternative and even flamenco, what impresses are the chances BOOKAKEE takes while throwing the “rule book” out the window! Songs seem to dance between many ideas that render the album unpredictably engaging. Title track, Whorrific, displays dynamic guitar noodling with an almost “jazzy” foundation while Perverted Monolith features guest vocalist, Crook from fellow Montrealers, VALFREYA. The tune also exhibits an almost playfulness rarely heard in such musical circles!
Blasting grind and brutal rhythms abound in most songs which are promptly swept aside by quieter moments which allow the guitars to showcase their wares and introduce some “left field” ideas. Horror themed lyrics and overall aesthetic are pushed to the fore by vocalist, Philippe Langelier (OXIDIZED FAITH) in a dual rasp and guttural growl performance, but there are moments of musical dominance in the three mesmerizing instrumentals, Meurte Paluda, DK and A.A. Acoustic, the latter being a sweeping guitar album closer punctuated by strummed chords and classical guitar picking. As it is, the album clocks in at approximately 62 minutes which may be on the “long-ish” side, but with the variation in extremity and mood, fans will no doubt overlook Whorrific’s length. With combining so many elements, it may be career suicide to throw so many colours on one canvas, but BOOKAKEE does a fine job of keeping the interest and momentum going; masterfully controlling the chaos of this, their first of many brilliant and innovative albums!
Standout Tracks: A Night to Dismember, Whorrific, Perverted Monolith, Carcass Coffin, DK
8.5/10
Chris
