Balancing tribal electronica, angular wave and powerful chants, ICCHĀ is a frenzied sonic fusion between Belgium and Bangladesh.
The Belgian duo, comprising musician Micha Volders and visual artist Miet Warlop, present their debut album titled ICCHĀ. Stemming from their monumental performance Chant For Hope, which showcased native artists from Dhaka, ICCHĀ revolves around the musical cadence and rich heritage of the Bengali language.
A powerful and uncompromising journey, ICCHĀ offers a captivating soundworld with angular drumming and vocals that oscillate in mantra-like repetitions. The album features the performances of slam poet Shayer Noor, the energetic Muhammad Shanto, and the Chittagonian-spirited Tanny Das Gupta as protagonists, navigating the vibrant frenzy of Dhaka. Their contributions were carefully curated into a cohesive album that retains the inherent structure and heart of the original performance, Chant For Hope.
The pulsating debut single, OK GO ঠিক আ4ছে যাও, highlights the mantra-like shouts of Shayer Noor. The contrast between the deep, rumbling Bodhran drum and the airy backing vocals, repeating the same word, lends it a monumental and standout character.
Since its release on May 24th, the album is available on picture disc vinyl LP and across all digital platforms via the Belgian label Mutropia.
Listen to the first single ‘OK GO ঠিক আ4ছে যাও’ here
Order the vinyl record here
CREDITS
Concept & Lyrics by Miet Warlop
Music & Production by Micha Volders
Vocals by Shayer Noor, Nur Muhammad Shanto, Emam Hasan Shanto, Fabiha Tanjim Anchol, Tanny Das Gupta, Md Al Amin, Towfiq Arifin, Hossain Zibon & Miet Warlop
Recorded in Dhaka, Bangladesh Brussels, Belgium
Mastered by Calyx Mastering, Berlin
Images by Miet Warlop / Layout design by Mutropia
ICCHĀ was created with the support of Mutropia, Irene Wool, The Flemish Community
Chant For Hope with the support of Dhaka Art Summit, Diana Campbell Betancourt, Kanal Pompidou, Irene Wool