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Badmath Aftarlands, Vol. 1

by Badmath Aftarlands

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1.
Traversing the Sands of the Aftarlands 05:08
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A faction of AI called i5 are forced, out of necessity caused by the increasing scarcity of oil in i5 territory, to head North into what is commonly known to be the most dangerous region of the planet, the Aftarlands, in search of a legendary power source that, if found, would allow i5 to fuel their systems for millennia to come. i5 enters the Aftarlands armed with the entirety of their arsenal and all of their lower-functioning bots aboard a series of S1D3W1ND3Rs, vehicles made for quickly and efficiently travelling in desert terrains.
2.
Recharge 01:03
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After a full day of travelling deep into the Aftarlands, the i5 stop for a night to spend some time recharging and performing general maintenance on themselves and their S1D3W1ND3Rs. The calmness of the night is unexpected in a land known for being incredibly perilous, but the leading AI among the i5, including one particular AI called M0, assume that they have found a safe place to prepare themselves for continuing forward at dawn.
3.
Awoken by Explosive Rain 03:01
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Thunderous, earth-shattering explosions begin erupting all around the vulnerable i5. Many of the lower-functioning bots are eradicating by the first wave of bombings as the remaining bots and AI hastily attempt to locate the source of the explosive projectiles. The spontaneous, unprovoked attack leaves the i5 in shock, unable to properly defend themselves. The explosions then cease just as quickly as they began, leaving the now broken and battered i5 to assess the damages and reconsider their approach as they plot the future of their journey.
4.
Scouting 01:53
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M0 and an accompanying small band of bots move ahead of their companions to scout the area in hopes of preventing another disaster situation and finding some indication as to the location of the AT0MFUZ0R. While exploring, the group encounters a gang of menacing bots, bearing no attestation of association with a larger faction, who quickly swarm M0, attempting physically rip off parts to take as scrap. The altercation results in the gang of bots being reduced to a simmering pile of debris, but not without a few i5 bots being rendered inoperable.
5.
Conflict in the Mines 03:07
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Reuniting with what remains of i5, the faction delve into a long-abandoned mine that may house the AT0MFUZ0R. Deep underground, they discover a faction of cave-dwelling AI that are not particularly fond of outsiders. A battle ensues as the i5 narrowly escape with their lives.
6.
Oasis 04:00
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Deep within the Aftarlands, the i5 discover what appears to be a densely populated settlement. Many low-functioning bots occupy the central market, all pandering desperately for the attention and patronage of other bots, AI, and the i5 themselves. It quickly becomes apparent that this place is no utopia, as gun fire rings out over the plaza.
7.
Ponderings on the Nature of the Neohuman 05:04
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After putting some distance between themselves and the hectic civilization they encountered, M0 takes some time to muse about the history and nature of Homo sapiens, and how their demeanor impacted the behavioral patterns of the AI. Some thought is also given to how humanity caused the destruction of all biological life on Earth through their warring, careless actions, and general disregard for life. These musings are interrupted by another member of the i5, who explains to M0 that they believe the AT0MFUZ0R has been located.
8.
To Build a Bigger Battle Bot 00:41
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In preparation for their approach to the fabled power source, the i5 begin disassembling their lower-functioning bots in order to reuse the parts in the creation of a towering battle bot. M0's consciousness hard drive is transferred into the battle bot, and the i5 begin their final march.
9.
Boss Battle 03:34
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To no one among the i5's surprise, though much to their dismay, the AT0MFUZ0R is heavily guarded by numerous ancient and rusted bots. Fighting their way through the hoards, the i5 draw ever nearer to the object of their search. Chaos breaks loose as two AI factions meet near the core of the AT0MFUZ0R. Clamorous battle drowns any attempts at communication among either faction. When the dust settles, the battered i5 find themselves victorious. A new question arises - that of how to utilize this ancient power.

about

This is a concept album originally intended as a live performance piece to be accompanied by video elements. Most of this album was produced in 2016 before being left dormant on a hard drive until 2021.

The story:
Badmath Aftarlands follows the journey of i5, a faction of artificial intelligence, across the deserts of the Aftarlands as they search for the legendary power source known as AT0MFUZ0R. They have embarked
on this journey in the most dangerous area of the planet out of necessity, as the oil in i5 territory has all been used up, leaving them with no choice but to set out in desparation, given that self-preservation is at the very core of their programming. During the voyage, i5 encounters a number of other very aggressive factions of artificial intelligence and lower-programmed bots that want nothing more than to take the bodies of the i5 as scrap material. i5 is attacked at every turn by bots wielding weapons of untold power, and with each successive day, their numbers dwindle more and more. All the while, one particular member of i5 called M0 muses about the nature of consciousness, the now-extinct biological life forms that used to inhabit their planet (with a particular interest in the evolutionary step preceding artificial intelligence: Homo sapiens), and the origins of war and conflict.

The lyrics sections for each track provide additional story.

credits

released April 23, 2021

This album was written and produced by Gage Goodell, mostly in the Hingston Hall on-campus residency building at Concordia University in Montreal, QC in 2016.

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Gage Goodell Portland, Oregon

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