Body Lens are back with a surprise sophomore release in the form of a short, 4-track album called BL Mini. Building on their brand of sinister yet funky post-punk/no-wave sound of their 2018 self-titled debut album, the four tracks on this release further prove that this Lethbridge group has serious musical chops and are arguably one of the most exciting bands in Alberta currently.  

There is something very cult-like in how the lead singer not so much sings, but lays down sermon-like proclamations during the songs that form the foundation of all tracks. The tight yet playful rhythm section further coats the gloomy tracks with swagger and dread confusing the listeners (in the best way possible) about whether they should be stroking their chins or shaking their hips. The album highlight “Ikon” which made its debut on the Cups n Cakes Compilation Vol 1 back in 2018 fits perfectly well on this release. The slithering baseline and cracking drums provide a solid counterpoint to the rapturous vocal styling, which when combined together becomes somewhat of distinctive characteristic of this group. Additionally, the spartan production also gives the tracks a bewildering, fever dreamlike quality as every instrument feels and sounds like it is in the right place and that there are no unnecessary effects or walls of sound diluting the sonic message.  

BL Mini with its 4 tracks clocks in at just over fifteen minutes, but it packs a thunderous punch.

- Piyush Patel