Album review: THE BLOODY MALLARD – Realm

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


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 March 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 5 March 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 18 March 2024

GYPSY’S KISS We’ve Come To Play
FM Out Of The Blue (Frontiers)
SHOTGUN MISTRESS Shot Down (indie)
ATTIC THEORY Violent Delight (indie)
FLOYA Yume (FiXT)
SAHAJI Tell Me All Your Feelings (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 18 March 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 LEAVES’ EYES Myths Of Fate (AFM Records)
14:00-16:00 HOLLY LERSKI Sweet Decline (indie)


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply