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Released
1997

Label
World Domination

Reviewed by
Mike Ramirez

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Last edit/Update
30 January, 1998

Malacoda

CASCADE

         
Track Listing

1. Into the Fold
2. Cascade
3. Dimmer Than Low Life
4. Cathay
5. Wakan Tanka
6. Evenite
7. The Tarntella
8. Wahpollo
9. Folded Reprise

          It just seems that World Domination has been picking up all the fresh new underground acts, and it is leaving me speechless. World Dom delivers us: Malacoda. Malacoda is straight from Richmond, VA, and on their 1997 release, they fuse the elements of ambient, techno, and drum+bass. Brought together by Rob Guess and L.A. Sigler, Malacoda have a fresh new sound that will appeal to many listeners who want something new. "Cascade" also features a guest appearance from Dave Allen, who is the big cheese of World Domination, and is also in the techno-dance band Shriekback.
          Cascade opens up with "Into The Fold," which is a mellow intro that contains some nondecipherable vocals and a groovy beat. It flows right into the title track, "Cascade." Bleeps and warped sounds leave their mark all over this track, which is one of the highlights of the cd.
          The third track, "Dimmer Than Low Life," is a club friendly dance tune, without garnering the position of a boring techno song. Malacoda uses an interesting blend of synths on this tune, as each chord/key sound different throughout the track. "Dimmer Than Low Life" was also released on a 12" through World Domination earlier in the year. "Cathay" takes after the last track, as it is another upbeat tune, with the jungle influence all over it. The keys are really wacky on this track.
          "Wakan Tanka" very much reminds me of The Orb's "Valley." This song is slowed down, with an array of synthesizers that create an excellent track. As on "Into The Fold," vocal samples are used profusely throughout this song. The next track also takes place in a lower BPM area, as it has somewhat of a hip-hop beat to it.
          "Evenite" is just a laid-back tune that really kicks in, if you just want to relax. "The Tarantella" features an excellent bass line along with numerous keyboards and sounds. The vocals samples appear again, but I am unsure of what is said.
          It seems as if the second half of the CD is more toned-down. "Wahpollo" is beat-less until 4 minutes into the song, then explodes into a muted drum beat. The keys on this track are excellent, and samples float all over this one too, creating a spooky atmosphere. The CD closes with "Folded Reprise," which is a beat-less version of "Into The Fold." An excellent close to a flawless cd.
          Malacoda have already established a name for themselves in their home town, and they plan to begin touring the U.S. very soon, as well as doing interviews and IRC chats. Their blend of analog synthesis, home-made breaks, and theremin formulation make them a band you want to watch out for. A Malacoda interview and live IRC chat may appear on Last Sigh in the near future.

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