The one and only clash bowley is back with a new album entitled Malinu. On his bandcamp page he mentions “The young lady pictured on the cover is Malinu. She is deeply romantic, and is far from home, among strange peoples, but she loves to dance and these are her favorite songs to dance to.” Even for a concept album I found this one to be novel and it caught my attention.
The album opens with “Clicquot Club” which is definitely a good tune for dancing especially if you’re an alien. bowley utilizes things like phase, stereo width and more to make the aural soundscapes that constable change and morph. The percussion helps quite a bit with keeping your feet moving.
“Cruisin’ 2062” is a delight. The bass buzzes and comes alive on this song. I loved the panning low-end on this song. bowley keeps the vocals in a comfortable range with an almost jazz-like delivery. He sings “I got two straws for the soda pop / We can share before we rock n’ bop!”
“The Sphynx” sounds like the exploration of the subconscious of an alien mind. This soundscape is immersive and even without vocals it would be an interesting terrain to explore. Bowley sings a little above and whispers this song and fits perfectly.
BANDCAMP: https://clashbowley.bandcamp.com/album/malinu
“Bing Bang Boom” sounds huge. It’s almost hip-hop like. The song tickled me in a funny way. When bowley sings “Bing Bang Bom” I thoroughly enjoyed it. Malinu was dancing smoothly to “Mysterious Ways” and in an alien trance-like state when “Wachadoo” came on.
One of the high points was “The Extremophile” where he sings with an ominous almost villain like vocal approach. If you have followed bowley you will know he sings with a different affectation and inflection on certain songs. The end of the night was approaching but Malinu started to dance fast on “The Last Romantic” and began sweating. Before Malinu returns to her high mind consciousness she took in the dreamy and psychedelic textures and tones of “Forever.”
bowley’s latest work showcases his undeniable talent and mastery of his craft. Once again, he delivers performances that leave listeners immersed. The depth of his compositions and the intricate layering of sounds demonstrates his attention to detail and ability to create a sonic landscape. The sound design in this piece is well done, with each element meticulously placed to create a rich and immersive auditory experience.
Listening with headphones truly amplifies the impact, as the subtle nuances and immersive textures come to life, enveloping the listener in a world of sonic enchantment. bowley’s ability to conjure a vivid concept through his music is evident in this release, transporting the listener to a pulsating club scene on a distant and otherworldly planet. This composition stands tall among his impressive discography, further solidifying his position as a formidable force in the music industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to bowley’s music, this release is undoubtedly a standout and a must-listen for anyone seeking a transcendent musical journey.
Heather Savage