Malamute-Breath deeply, horse

Acerbic Noise Development
2008

You know how something can sound good on paper or in theory, but then it just doesn't come through in the end? Malamute from Hattiesburg Mississippi are on what my opinion is one the best independent heavy music labels around (AND). The actual sound on this album contains punk rock, metal and various other heavy and melodic tones swirled around a rather liquid, non-structured type of format. The vocals are quirky yet coherent and the effort and enthusiasm are just bursting out as this band seems to go for the everything, but the kitchen sink approach. Now to me that sounds like it would be a fantastic album. So why am I wrinkling my forehead as I write this review? Well, despite including all of the above I just couldn't get completely into this album. Indeed Malamute loaded their bags with their wares and then dumped them out on this recording. They are not lacking angles or ideas, but they are lacking an edge or a hook or something that would really make this album engaging. I thought that after one play and that feeling loomed over me after three more plays of the CD. The wild and sometimes frantic stance they take had me interested, but they just seem to lack enough depth to really finish the deal. It's like wanting to dive into the water, but you know it's not deep enough to dive into so instead you end up staying on the edge just kind of kicking your feet in the shallow part. Perhaps my opinion is influenced by the fact that other artists on this label (The Devil and the sea, El Chupa Cobras and Ganon) have released outstanding albums this year and maybe I was expecting more. Altogether this is a somewhat likeable album, but it's from a standout and they need some work to really become a memorable band.

http://www.myspace.com/malamuteband