REVIEW: MALA

MALA IN CUBA | BROWNSWOOD RECORDINGS

As the trend and mistreatment of dub step surged into the black hole of pop culture, many artists who valued and preserved this unique genre in the early 00’s became silent. Taking a different direction and jab at the 140 bpm playing field, South London’s Mala resurges to the front lines with Mala In Cuba. Being one of the main figures in the underground bass community who helped to globally carve and shape the growth and essence of the low sub culture, it was definitely the right time to deliver a diverse project as we see in his latest release.

Mala In Cuba was collaborated with London’s Gilles Peterson who runs Brownswood Records in London, and is responsible for introducing many unique artists and projects to the worldwide music community. By taking a trip to Cuba and spending time with locals and other musicians, Mala made one of the greatest decisions he could have made for his career.

Fans of Mala and his past DMZ catalogue will be truly intrigued and surprised to hear an unexpected turn from his traditional low bass dance floor releases, discovering his ability to infuse complex percussion and soothing piano riffs seamlessly together. His subtle use of vocals on this album really ignites the imagination and feeling of Cuban culture while maintaining Mala’s signature drum structure and arrangement.

Mala In Cuba is sure to inspire and influence artists in the electronic community to try a new platforms and structures; using different cultural components and rhythm. Weather you are a past fan of Mala’s work or not , this LP is definitely a “must have”.

By: Ryan Cain