Dale - 10/1/2011

Malachai (formerly Malakai) are a psychedelic blues duo group made up of Gee Ealey and Scott Hendy from Bristol in England. The band's debut album is full of variety and catchy songs, mainly because they manage to mix some creative influences while also putting their own unique twist to a consistently good and enjoyably messy album that demands to be repeated over and over again.

Ugly side of Love is an explosion of rock 'n' roll reinvigorating the sounds of bygone days by mixing garage psychedelia with a spice of 80s punk swagger over 13 very unique tracks spanning just over 32 minutes.

The album kicks off with a tribute to the 1979 New York gang film "The Warriors" which along with "Snowflake" and "Fading World" are some of the best songs this album has to offer. I love how it goes from the irresistibly catchy rhythm of "Snowflake" which you just can't help but sing along to, to the earnestly soulful "Fading World" which deserves many listens. The Ugly Side of Love finishes on a high note with "Simple Song", as it brings an unexpected end to this brilliantly bizarre journey.

Each Song has its own clear identity, although sometimes it can feel a little disjointed, but on a plus side it makes it very rarely dull because although they do have a particular style, none of the songs sound too similar or ripped off from each other.

The entire album sounds very vintage; Gee and Scott have rediscovered a niche sound which is as enjoyable as it is intriguing.