The latest album from Velcrocranes, titled “What If I Die,” is a significant departure from the band’s previous work. This hard prog album, released on October 27th, 2023, is a deep introspective journey that delves into themes of life, death, and the human experience. Led by the vocals of Efim, the band consists of producer Nikita, guitarist and arranger Alex, bassist Bogdan, and songwriter Liza. Together, they have crafted a thought-provoking and genre-bending LP that offers a unique listening experience. “What If I Die” is a masterful fusion of various musical influences, ranging from jazz to electronic and prog-rock.
The result is a refreshing and surprising sound that keeps listeners on their toes and engaged throughout all nine tracks. The band’s mission statement for this album is to “draw a parallel to the way your understanding of life’s meaning, values, and perception of death changes during your lifetime.” This concept is reflected in the three pre-released singles – “Step Aside,” “Hold Your Breath,” and “Afterlife, Pt. 2.” Each track explores the human emotions of fear, discrimination, and tolerance in the face of the unknown. Not only does “What If I Die” deliver powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, but the instrumental elements are equally impressive. From Efim’s haunting vocals to Alex’s intricate guitar work, each member of the band brings their unique talent and skill to create a cohesive and well-rounded album. Fans of progressive rock and hard rock will undoubtedly appreciate the creativity and musicianship displayed on this album.
“What If I Die” is available now on all streaming platforms, and we highly recommend giving it a listen. Velcrocranes have truly outdone themselves with this introspective and hard-hitting LP.
