Multi-layered synths, house rhythms and playful optimism – darker fragments and melodies, segments and sentiments, all carefully united throughout a colourful tapestry of alternative electronic production…
One half of acclaimed electronic duo LiiN, mal_mr presents an impressively original debut solo album, in the form of a deeply introspective reaction to the personal turmoil of needing life-saving surgery.
Despite this individual creative turning point, The Magic Umwelt is also a boldly accessible reflection of modern humanity – a reaction in turn, to the flooding of art and media, science and tech, with AI-generated prompts, products, and conversations.
The album features 11 original compositions, and blends aspects of atmospheric song production with ethereal grooves both comforting and euphoric intermittently. It’s an uplifting listen, to be frank – the music engaging but also impressively distinct, a certain spacious and playful approach noting interesting tones, layers, fragments, and an equally interesting production style from mal_mr.
Consider Obsidian as the perfect introduction, an industrial rhythmic aura, with both optimism and uncertainty walking hand-in-hand. mal_mr asks the question ‘what does it mean to be human in a world where machines are taking over?’, and The Magic Umwelt captures the essence of that experience, and gracefully answers.
Highlights from The Magic Umwelt include the catchy alternative, quirky and mildly topical peaks of a gamer-esque, melodically unusual Some People, and the subsequent intensity and euphoria of a late-night after-party gem that is For The Birds. The contrast between these two tracks is phenomenal, and leaves them both feeling incredibly poignant and memorable.
Ionical is another favourite for its careful blending of satisfying atmospheric allure and something again a little left of the expected, and for Chasing Shadows afterwards, something like Gospel-like and world-folk-music-inspired subtly intertwines, for a unique twist on the familiar that seems mildly influenced by both the eighties and nineties.
Danub is intoxicating, timeless and fascinating in its panned sounds, bouncy bassline, rising melodies, hypnotic rhythm, and the softly evolving anticipation at its core. Ultra Violet is catchy but a little off centre, Alhara is enchanting and exciting, and Vega Love (Park Mix) is similar its sonic overlay and impact, whilst feeling a little more stripped-back and minimal, even intimate, as the album comes to a soulful and intriguing finish.
Something briefly reminiscent of a multitude of acts including (but far from limited to) Depeche Mode and Rusted Root, the eclecticism of The Magic Umwelt is undeniable, but so too is the grounded artistic voice of mal_mr. The songs have that familiar essence, but something warped and experimental resides in unison, and it’s this quality that enthrals throughout.
