BABAL – RUNNING IN THE GUTTER (Friends of the Fish) (Ltd. LP, CD. DL) (2025)

‘Running in the Gutter’ is BABAL’S 13th album, as we enter an “immersive world of intense lyricism and musical ideas” in “a beautifully crafted selection of hypnotic and rhythmic pieces, each delving deeply into the world we think we know.” The lyrics and strident vocals are in the DNA of the music with room for improvisation. “Could it be argued that Crass are joining forces with Cardiacs to deliver a Beefheart take on Byrne?” the press release asks. Kevin Rowland says the music says “the music is necessarily uncompromising and challenging.” Either way if you like your music on the adventurous side it’s well worth checking out.