Malkin Zany - Malkin Zany

Mixed up in the world of Malkin Zany are the soulful lyrics spun by their creative, and talented DJ, the sleazy yet skillful trumpet, the eerie clink of the piano and loungey, somewhat eerie almost weird overall feel of a group that shows great potential.

Brilliant samples and weird undertones pulsate through this mix, thrown in by Zany’s DJ Steen Rock. This release oozes with something, that something is potential, this release isn’t great but it definitely shows how good Malkin Zany could be with tracks like ‘My Time’ exploring a much darker side with the pianist Asger Baden stealing the show in the later parts of the track. Whereas other tracks like their single ‘Driva Man’ throw in a raspy set of vocals over the eerie pianos and samples, with the turntables doing their thing occasionally.

Not to say this release is not without its funky tracks as in the lighthearted jazz track ‘Crossings’ where the sleazy trumpet is complimented by a fabulous ensemble provided by both the pianist and the DJ to create an ambient classic. But, for funkiness I doubt its hard for Malkin Zany to beat the acidy classic that is the track at the head of the disc, ‘Snake Pad’ that has a nice little voice intro to introduce us to Malkin Zany’s sense of humor and style.

What really deserves a mention is the consistent and brilliant drumming by Zany’s drummer Peter Leth who does it all himself. He uses a kit, not a machine unlike other bands similar to Zany where the DJ simply uses a drum machine and scratches out a few beats. His talent and beat manufacturing ability is at times unbelievable like on tracks similar to ‘Screwin’ & Groovin’’ where he gets the track moving with the beat.

It appears that Malkin Zany specialize in music to weird you out ‘Cross Good Coffee’s eerie beat and horns create a rainy day scene for those looking for a good chill out on a hot day, similarly the last track of the release ‘Trippie Rocklets’ is just that, trippy – the bassey yet ambiently styled backings combine flawlessly with the slow, soothing beat and minimalistic vocals.

This release is full of quirky little samples, deep bass, funky beats and soothing horns. It does, however create a slow, lazy day image in your head with tracks like ‘Cuppa Joe’ really setting the slow dark image in ones head. It’s a good album, not a fantastic album but Malkin Zany shows definite as a group with many more great albums under their collective belts.