Android Lust

Android Lust is Shikhee, a Bangladesh-born artist now resident in the US. Her albums are honest, intelligent, emotive works. Her latest album is Devour, Rise, and Take Flight (Projekt) REVIEW: Shikhee releases her third album, following her 1998 indie debut Resolution and 2003’s impressive The Dividing. Once again the Bangladesh-born artist lays her emotions on the line, underpinned by gorgeously layered production and honest, striking vocals. Shikhee’s voice has an enthralling range, from a vaguely threatening lower register to a death-cry scream. She knows how to use it, too. Lover Thine opens the account with catchy drums. Hole Solution shows a deft touch for production with its atmospheric backing vocals and effects, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The Body, a declaration of independence if ever there was one, plunges from introspective guitar moments to dance-floor thrash. Latter songs devolve into an electronic soup, making a suite of virtual instrumental works within the album. Cynical, forthright, outraged: whether telling an abusive lover he needs a hole in the head, or praying that her son won’t face guns and trenches, Shikhee gives the impression she makes a better friend than an enemy. Musically smooth even as it veers into the industrial arena, this album is not as confrontational as The Dividing, and nothing quite slaps the listener in the face like the earlier single Stained. Yet the emotional intensity has impact, lingering long after the last beat has faded, driven home by a heartfelt unlisted thirteenth track. One can’t help feeling that Shikhee is just now starting to spread her wings. Android Lust website