Emerging from the US, MAL have been working on their latest album for the past few years. Starting during quarantine, the group slowly evolved what were just sketches into a full-blown euphoric punk and alt-rock record. ‘Come To Light’ is the final result, a collection of fiery, gritty and noisy playful gem, exploring the artistic richness MAL has to offer.
Boasting a sound that’s almost industrial, dark and chaotic, the American group is certainly eclectic, jumping from obscure instrumental sections to more catchy, vocal-powered anthemic choruses. If guitars and punchy drums are your thing, ‘Come To Light’ is certainly a record you’ll be able to connect with.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with MAL to find out more about their artistry and future goals. Interview below!
Hey guys, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Hello! We’re MAL from Van Nuys, California. We’re a three-piece that plays many genres under the Alternative umbrella. We’re a bit proggy at times, experimental, psychedelic, straightforward, Heavy at times, drony at times, and…many other things. We’re releasing a new album, our third, on Friday, August 25th. I’d say we fill a quiet need in the market for interesting arrangements and chord progressions with familiar melodies and relatable lyrics. Our influences are many: Black Sabbath, Black Flag, Pink Floyd, Faith No More, Jane’s Addiction, Led Zeppelin, even Hall & Oates, and many more just to name a few.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; How did you all meet each other?
We came together at the perfect time. Our drummer, Brendan Reynolds (formerly in Boy Hits Car) was a fan and available for a new band. Peter, the bass player (from the touring act Ding Mao) and I, Kris (Formerly of Black Cast) had just lost our drummer. We had already been making a name for ourselves in LA, so Brendan coming into the band was perfect. This new album is a re-birth for us adding Brendan’s incredible musical talent and experience. We’re whole and more creative than we’ve ever been now.
Would you say rock as a whole is still relevant today? Is there any current band or project you are particularly fond of?
Rock, and its many sub-genres, are definitely relevant. We can see it in the response we get at our shows! There is still a need for it! I think it will always be relevant. I’d say King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are right up our alley. They’re doing what genres they want and tripping us out! They’re awesome.
You recently released a long and intense album, ‘Come To Light’. Containing a whopping 20 songs, the listener experience is bound to be cathartic and meaningful. How should the listeners approach the record? what’s the best way to connect with it?
The best way to absorb our new album is sitting in a van on top of a mountain highway with the double doors open, feet kicked up, and staring up into the stars, or on a long drive. That’s what we imagined when we put these songs together.
Lyrically, is there a particular theme you feel close to?
There’s a song about a psych patient who cuts himself so he can get close to a nurse he’s in love with. There’s a song about missing your family when out in the mountains mining for gold. Another is sung from the perspective of a generation absorbed in madness, and another song is an argument between one of these people and another who is their philosophical opposite sung as if they’re lovers.
One of the songs (part of a two-song -in one, “Thumper/ Wormsign) is sung in a made-up language inspired by Frank Herbert’s DUNE. There are love songs (done in our ironic way), apology songs, and introspective pieces that are definitely relatable. I’d say the album is all over the place, but I’d say the theme is mainly musical. The music ties it all together with a universal humanity we’ve all suffered and enjoyed.
What’s your writing process like? A solo effort or a collaborative one?
Everything we do is collaborative. Every member of the band must enjoy what they’re playing and every member contributes to the writing process.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
The challenges were in everyday life. If you listen to the lyrics you’ll hear how those years inspired what’s on this album.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
We’ve been actively touring and seeing great results with our live shows. We’re bringing new music to our fans and sprinkling in old favourites. We’re making new fans and planning on touring more in the U.S. in September throughout the winter. We’re also working on new material for the next album. Things are looking good!
