I’ve really been dreading doing this review for the simple
fact thatMalachai is, in all likelihood, the most schizophrenic
band I’ve ever
laid my ears upon. Musical schizophrenia can be a beautiful thing
if all elements are mixed in proper proportions. However, Malachai
prefers to keep its multiple personalities separate from each
other, rarely rearing their ugly heads at the same time.
1. On the spine of the jewel case in small lettering it reads
“4xB 001” indicating that this is the first release
from this record label; and it really shows. These Sounds of the
Spirit World reeks of unprofessionalism. The back of the jewel
case has the title of track five listed as “The Dumbest
Girl in Town,” whereas the sleeve refers to the track as
“Can’t Find Waldo.” In addition to this, there
are several typographical errors throughout the insert. This isn’t
a review of the artwork though, so I’ll move on to the album.
Where do I start? This record plays more like a mix tape than
a single cohesive album. Pop rock, glitch pop, hip-hop, straight-up
barroom rock, among other genres all make appearances on These
Sounds of the Spirit World, but rarely at the same time, if ever.
Perhaps the strangest characteristic of this record is that a
good portion of the randomness represented is done fairly well.
Each song has a memorable hook or melody that makes the album
listenable.
Ignoring its awful lyrics, “O’Amy” is a very
well-crafted pop-rock song reminiscent of the more accessible
Pixies songs, complete with falsetto backing vocals and bouncy
bass line.
“Draw These Legz” finds Malachai dropping the stringed
and percussive instruments and picking up the synthesizer.
“Love a Man” has a rock/hip-hop feel similar to some
of Beck’s earlier material; minus the witty lyrics. I’m
really not sure what Malachai hoped to achieve with These Sounds
of the Spirit World. Perhaps they wanted a reaction like “Wow,
these guys are really versatile,” but more often than not
it made me say “What the hell?”
Tyler, 2/23/04 |
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