Struggle is a natural part of the creative process for many artists. For Shikhee, the one-woman army behind industrial act Android Lust, struggle became downright essential to the production of the fourth Android Lust album, The Human Animal. Not by choice, of course: Nearly a decade after debuting as the first one-woman industrial act, the Bangladeshi-born New Yorker found herself burnt out from balancing a music career with what some might call “real life.”
The process of making 2006’s Devour, Rise and Take Flight ws “a very trying period,” says Shikhee. “I was coming home from my job around 9 or 10, and then mixing till 2 or 3, only to get back up and get to work at 9 again. I was barely sleeping and losing weight.” Problems with her record label compounded her frustration; the heavy touring season that followed, prolonged it.
When the album cycle finally wrapped, Shikhee returned home to face some familiar fears. “It’s always a bit scary. I start to doubt myself, reacquaint myself with my studio . . . and wonder if I can still do it,” she says. “It took until late 2007 to get back to writing.”
The Human Animal is undeniable proof that she can, indeed, still “do it.” After two albums on preeminent electronic-music label Projekt Records, Shikhee released Animal in August 2010 on her own Synthellec Music. In production for more than two years, this is the work of an artist reinvigorated by the creative process, adding a new set of colors to her signature sonic palette. “It just happened one day after we came back from our tour,” Shikhee recalls. “Songs just started flooding.”
The flood was triggered in part by Shikhee’s decision to work with her live band in the studio for the first time. “In the past I played all the guitars and some bass [in addition to electronic instruments], but now I had access to these really talented musicians and I wanted to bring that touch in the studio. So I wrote parts for them, parts that were beyond my playing ability.”
The mix of live instruments and processed sounds isn’t new for an Android Lust recording—2003’s breakthrough The Dividing featured live drums, string and wind instrument—but never have those sounds figured so prominently as they do on The Human Animal. The slippery undertones of “A New Heaven” are revealed to be an upright bass; pockets of classical guitar propel “Into the Sun”; the overdriven guitars on “Saint Over” surge forth with the spark of vintage Nine Inch Nails. It’s the most organic-sounding Android Lust record while losing none of the unrelenting sonic edge of prior releases.
It’s not just the live instrumentation that brings the album uncharacteristic warmth. Shikhee took to the streets of New York City with a portable recorder, collecting noises that would be used to form rhythms and ambiance throughout the record. The sounds of a screeching subway, a crowded restaurant, geese, pigeons, and a Barnes & Noble escalator all found their way into the mix.
And Shikhee has never sounded better, her whisper-to-a-scream vocals on a par with Polly Jean Harvey (“It’s On You”) and Ruby’s Leslie Rankine (“God in the Hole”).
For an artist whose overarching aesthetic has sought to blur the line between human and machine, Shikhee here sets her sights on the battle between the physical and the spiritual. Much of The Human Animal is about tapping into the deeper well of universal energy within to find true meaning, freeing oneself (the human) from the imprisonment of ego (the animal). “A New Heaven” sums up the central query: “Are we the ones we are seeking under this sun?”
But despite the sometimes reflective tone this is not music for meditation. The Human Animal’s 10 songs, plus a Jerome Dillon remix of “God in the Hole” to close the disc, pulse and pound, posing both an invitation and a challenge to the listener. Welcome to the age of enlightenment for Android Lust.
- by John Brodeur
Fell the Empty Mask
Android Lust Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a revolution
Surrounded by those
Who share your persuasion
I know the likes of you
I'd know it any place
This mask of a holy man
Something inside
Is slipping by
This thing inside is slipping by
You say you'd protect me
But you'd have to change the rules
And I should just understand
Do you think me such a fool
I know your every move
I've caught on your little game
Still I see you hanging on
Go hide your head in shame
We'll watch you fall
The lyrics to Android Lust's song Fell the Empty Mask explore the idea of a revolution being led by someone who wears a "mask of a holy man" to hide their true identity. The singer of the song, who has caught on to this individual's deceitful ways, is skeptical of their promises to protect and lead. The lyrics suggest that this person is not to be trusted, as they are only looking out for their own interests and would need to change the rules to truly help others.
The chorus, "Something inside is slipping by, this thing inside is slipping by," conveys the idea that the singer can see through the facade and is aware of the true intentions of this individual. They are not fooled by the mask that this person wears, which represents their deceit.
The lyrics also hint at the inevitable downfall of this person, as the singer and those like them will "watch you fall." Ultimately, the song suggests that true leadership and revolution cannot be built on deception and lies, and those who attempt to do so will ultimately fail.
Line by Line Meaning
You've set the stage
You have initiated the beginning steps of a major change or transformation.
For a revolution
Your actions are in preparation for a significant and impactful transformation or upheaval.
Surrounded by those
In your immediate environment, there are people who share your opinions and beliefs about this upcoming transformation.
Who share your persuasion
You are not alone in your beliefs and there are others who feel the same way as you do.
I know the likes of you
I am aware of people who share similar traits to you.
I'd know it any place
I can easily recognize those similarities no matter where I encounter them in life.
This mask of a holy man
You are attempting to hide your true intentions or beliefs behind a guise of religious or moral superiority.
That you wear to hide your face
You use this facade to conceal your true intentions or identity from others.
Something inside
A hidden or repressed part of your being.
Is slipping by
It is slowly but steadily becoming visible or apparent despite your attempts to hide it.
This thing inside is slipping by
This hidden part of yourself is slowly becoming more obvious and difficult to keep hidden from others.
You say you'd protect me
You claim that you would shield or guard me from harm or danger.
But you'd have to change the rules
In order to do so, you would have to break the established guidelines or norms that are currently in place.
And I should just understand
You expect me to simply accept these deviations from normal protocol without questioning them or asking for more information.
Do you think me such a fool
I shouldn't blindly trust or believe in your words without some evidence or explanation to back them up.
I know your every move
I am aware of your every action and decision.
I've caught on your little game
I have figured out your true intentions or motivations behind your actions.
Still I see you hanging on
You are still continuing with your facade despite knowing that I am aware of your true nature.
Go hide your head in shame
You should feel embarrassed or guilty for attempting to deceive me and hiding your true intentions.
We'll watch you fall
You will face consequences for your actions and we will witness your downfall or failure.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
OphillineTheViolent
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