Music Review - Malachai: Return to the Ugly Side (2011)

I don’t usually do music reviews, since I find it difficult to put in words the feelings music evokes in me. But I really had to review this, because it is just so damn good. Unpredictable, beautifully complex and varied, I haven’t heard such good shit in so long. Every song in this album reinvigorated my senses, throwing fresh takes on familiar genres and transitioning from song to song in wildly varied styles so that the entire album  in and of itself was an aural canvas of a masterpiece containing an immense density of layers and influences (absolutely must be listened to in order, through and through, especially since some are multi-part tracks). I listened to the entire thing through twice because it blew me away.

First track began as what sounded like an epic journey soundtrack, somehow managing to transition seamlessly into an entirely different style: some strange electronic trip-hoppy reggae. From then on, I knew my ears were in for a treat. You know how after you listen to a song, you can kind of predict what sounds will be thrown at you next? Not true for this beauty, at least upon first listen. Unpredictable twists and turns, an incredible collage of styles and beats, I would probably classify this album as experimental of the most wonderfully genre-bending, hybridizing loveliness your ears for so long have been lacking.

Malachai - Return to the Ugly Side

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Released: Feb 22, 2011

Label: Domino
Genre: Alternative / Psychedelic / Visual / Indie
Location: Bristol, UK

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