EP REVIEW: Echoes – Mallavora

According to society, disabled people should be placed in one of two boxes: pity or inspiration. They should not be viewed as a human being. They should only be viewed as their disability or chronic health condition. Society also have standards for how disabled people should view themselves. If a person complains about their disability, they are shut down by others or patronised. On their new EP, Echoes, Bristol quartet MALLAVORA rip apart society’s rulebook and reveal their truth about life with chronic illnesses and disabilities. It is a raw and honest EP that is sometimes uncomfortable to listen to, but that’s what makes MALLAVORA so brilliant: they never sugar-coat the truth.

Each writing session initially starts with guitarist Larry Sobieraj translating his experiences with chronic illnesses before passing the music to vocalist Jessica Douek, who records her vocals based on her emotional responses to the music. It’s a unique process, but it works for the band, and the EP is evidence of that.

Opening song It’s Not Enough kicks off the EP with a thundering instrumental introduction before Douek‘s fantastic and versatile voice comes in, effortlessly blending screams and almost opera-esque vocals. Each song on the EP is different. Whilst It’s Not Enough is a straightforward metalcore song, Skin is a haunting rock song that is about the defiance in being difference.

Vultures is a rage-filled metalcore song which is about the pressure to be ‘normal’ in society that sees anything ‘different’ as something horrible. The closing title track is a rare slow moment on the EP, allowing the band to show a gentler side, but there are still moments of their heavier side. Sonically, the EP is coherent, although there are also hints of pop, soul, and R&B music scattered throughout, they are done so in a way that does not make the EP sound overwhelmed.

This is in part thanks to SKINDRED guitarist Mikey Demus, who produced the album in close collaboration with the band, and the result is a diverse, heavy, and exceptional EP. Although it does mainly tackle living with disabilities – both physical and mental –  it is also broad in the lyrics to be about life’s challenges and humanity’s determination to keep on living, no matter what.

In conclusion, Echoes by MALLAVORA is an exceptional debut EP from a fantastic band in rock music. It is a coherent EP that is fantastically paced and isn’t too overstuffed or too short. Furthermore, it shows MALLAVORA introducing themselves to the world, and what an introduction it is. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to the lyrics, and it is smart of them to have a lot of different genres mixed in naturally to show how sonically diverse they are. If you’re looking for a new band with a fresh take on rock music, then MALLAVORA is the band for you. They are certainly a name to watch out for.

Rating: 8/10

Echoes is out now via Marshall Records. 

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