Album review: THE BLOODY MALLARD – Realm

Bandcamp [Release date 08.05.20]

The Bloody Mallard came into being from another worldly place it could be said, as the musical ideas formed were reminiscent of many mushroom trips in rural Kent by guitarist and main man Tom Walding. Production was done by Jarred Hearman (John Butler Trio, The Prodigy, Slipknot), with drummer Jake Bradford-Sharp and bassist Raihan Rubin brought in to complete and fill some spaces with their textures.

“Recording ‘Realm’ was a unique experience” Tom explains. “…the biggest constraint was time. The songs are ambitious and no one wanted to take short cuts. Jake was allowed ‘off the leash’ with his drumming and gave different versions on every take. Whereas the bass and guitars were performed more specifically. It was really about trying to find that blend to sound organic and free, but also coherent and together.”

Starting off with an eleven minute opener ‘Haemoglobin’, the Bloody Mallard get an early chance to show their musical chops. Recalling bands like King Crimson, Pink Floyd and more modern artists like The Fierce and the Dead, it is a piece of music that takes the listener on a journey (and no you don’t need outside stimulants although this reviewer was armed with a mug of tea!).

‘Subject To Entropy’ has been released as a taster for the album and it is very accessible, even after one play. Along with ‘Noble Rot’, it shows how the drummer was allowed off his leash, both have a psychedelic rock feel about them. Those after a bit more metallic will enjoy ‘Ceremonious Synapsis’ parts one and two. The guitars lock nicely into a groove filled rhythm, at times you are reminded of Rush, other times something heavier say like Metallica.

Those after music to challenge and reveal more on each subsequent play will love this album. Lets hope the Bloody Mallard get the chance to perform their music live sometime soon. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)