Recently, I read an interview with Neil Halstead (formerly) of Slowdive, where he said that he didn't think that Slowdive was the type of band that has influenced many other bands. If you have any experience at all with Clairecords, than you know that Mr. Halstead was so, so wrong, and Malory are certainly not an exception to the label theme. They take the Slowdive formula (heavily processed and delayed guitars and male/female vocals), add a few electronic beats and textures, and really not much else.
Now don't get me wrong, I think the "Slowdive formula" is an excellent one and consider them one of my all time favorite bands. In theory, another band using the same, or at least a similar formula, would be just as (or at least similarly) good. Unfortunately this is not usually true and the bands who are recycling the formula end up seeming a little hollow. Anyway, with that said, Malory—while heavily influenced by Slowdive—are certainly not without value. I find that if I can forget, for a moment, how much it often sounds like a band trying to sound like Slowdive I find myself really enjoying it. The first song, "Lake of Doubts {Maladon Mix}" and "Deja Vu" in particular are very striking and almost made me forget the Slowdive comparison completely. Other songs made a similar impression like "The Choice You Have," and "Falling Shine," which have a very nice distant, hazy feel.
The album is quite consistent and there are no songs that I dislike, it's just that most of the songs don't leave enough of an impression to qualify for any stronger reaction than pleasant ambivalence. I do hate to dwell on a comparison so heavily, so I'll apologize for that now, but I did try to give the CD as impartial a listen as possible. Malory are not a bad band, but they are also not the best band in the world. They are just a tribute to one of the best bands in the world.
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