Blueprints by LABASHEEDA: Album Review

by Gabe Finch January 17, 2024

January 17, 2024

Amsterdam-based noise rock and art-punk trio Labasheeda released their latest enigmatic and intriguing album, Blueprints, via Presto Chango Records.

Opening the 11-track collection is “Fossils,” with grounded guitar riffs and layered tuning. This energetic backdrop is accompanied by the husky vocals of Saskia van der Giessen. The psychedelic touch contributes to the song’s spacey and immersive quality.

“Curiosity” takes an energetic turn with distorted guitars. The band explores a noisier and more aggressive sound, making things intense. Coming up is “Vanity” which features a smoother and more relaxed atmosphere. The husky vocals continue to shine, accompanied by dreamy guitar tunes and laid-back drumming, seamlessly transitioning between different moods and styles.

In “Volatile,” the band explores contemplative string arrangements, playing its own narrative in its own voice. The underlying guitar plays alongside rhythmic guitars, playing their stories together.

The album continues to evolve with “What Remains Is Love,” featuring soft guitar strumming and chiming dreamily. This composition introduces a more relaxed and contemplative vibe, providing a moment of respite within the album’s overall dynamic range.

Blueprints by Labasheeda offers a rich and textured listening experience, ranging from energetic and distorted moments to smoother, more contemplative interludes. The vocalist gives a unique character to the band’s sound and makes the album more profound.

Listen to Labasheeda’s music, especially Blueprints, to see boundaries break off genres and get artsy with noise rock and art punk.