Bitchin Bajas Return to Hypnotic Drift on Isle Peaks EP
The experimental trio's new EP, recorded during the same sessions as their previous album Inland See, features three extended tracks that embrace cosmic, meditative soundscapes. The sixteen-minute opener 'Ajami' shifts through kalimba pulses, saxophone melodies, and motorik rhythms, showcasing their improvisational approach. This release marks a return to their signature hypnotic style after the more song-oriented direction of their last album.
The Chicago-based trio of Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, and Dan Quinlivan developed these pieces at Electric Audio before refining them at Crain's Sweat Loge studio. The EP includes a vinyl and cassette-only bonus track, making the physical editions distinct from digital versions.
The opening composition "Ajami" traverses multiple rhythmic structures, moving from kalimba pulses through a 6/8 groove into a motorik beat. Meanwhile, the title track incorporates natural ambience like crickets and water, while the bonus cut experiments with a 7/8 meter and basslines reminiscent of Detroit techno and Italo disco.
This release could appeal to listeners seeking immersive, long-form instrumental music as an antidote to fragmented digital consumption. It may also reinforce Drag City's standing as a haven for experimental artists, potentially encouraging other musicians to embrace improvisational, nature-inspired textures. For fans of ambient and kosmische sounds, the EP could serve as a meditative touchstone, fostering a niche but devoted listening community that values patience and sonic exploration over immediate hooks.