Devi Mambouka is the sole element behind the project known as Masma Dream World. Mambouka’s webpage (www.masmadreamworld.com) offers insight into what listeners should expect in their work. The keywords are “magic, and healing as a form of worship.”

Released on the 21st of February, PLEASE COME TO ME marks Masma Dream World’s second studio album. The album starts with the track “Only Wish,” throwing the audience straight into a pit of cold and harsh fuzz. Echoing drums are soon introduced and conjure memories of horror soundtracks, specifically the “chh, chh, chh, ahh, ahh, ahh” sounds made famous by “Friday the 13th.” Airy vocals resonate against the background, giving them an interesting sense of fragility among the industrial noises. As the track plays out, these vocals remain strong, slightly descending in tone, until a state of dissonance is reached. The last minute of the track strays slightly, layering these vocals upon one another, creating an unsettling chorus. If one could imagine hearing the screams of souls from the underworld, it might sound close to this.

The title track of the album, “PLEASE COME TO ME,” causes an effect of slow motion as it sludges along with similar dissonant vocals. Here, we are also given lyrics, stated with the delivery and tone of a mantra. In fact, at this point in the album, the work as a whole feels like a grandiose yet dark guided meditation—one that pulls the audience into the deep recesses of Mambouka’s mind.

The arguable highlight of this album comes with its last track, “Without A Body.” The album’s eleventh and final track begins abruptly with an intensely captivating percussion. Drums that seem equally organic and raw, almost impossible not to have a reaction to, disorienting and entrancing. It becomes clearer now than ever that the work has a purging effect; specific thoughts are cast off one by one and tied to each hit of the drums until the audience is left with a blank mind infected by the music.

While the album was admittedly too consistent in sound at times, it profoundly affects the listener. It challenges one to let go and allow sounds to flow throughout the body. To those more close-minded it might seem boring at best and asinine at worst. Yet to those willing to give it an honest chance, its effects might be surprising.