Kali Malone – Living Torch

Review

"Living Torch" by Kali Malone represents a significant departure from her earlier focus on the pipe organ, as she ventures into a broader array of electronic and acoustic instruments. This evolution in her sound palette is evident throughout the album, particularly in "Living Torch II," which utilizes synths, sine waves, and the boîte à bourdon to weave a complex aural tapestry. Malone's expertise in synthesizing these diverse sounds into a cohesive experience reveals her profound ability to manipulate and master the auditory realm.

The album establishes a somber tone, enriched by the integration of brass and woodwind elements with electronic textures, resulting in a soundscape that is as otherworldly as it is captivating. The composition encourages listeners to engage with the album as a whole, continuous piece, ideally through headphones to capture the subtlety of its intricate layers. "Living Torch II," the album’s highlight, is a fifteen-minute journey that starts softly and builds to a dynamic crescendo, effectively utilizing noise and distortion to test the limits of traditional instrumentation. This track is further elevated by the contributions of Mats Äleklint on trombone and Isak Hedtjärn on bass clarinet, whose performances dovetail seamlessly with the electronic components, adding a profound emotional layer to the music.

As a landmark in Kali Malone's discography, "Living Torch" has been met with critical acclaim, appreciated for its creative audacity and emotional impact. It not only advances Malone's previous endeavors but also redefines the contours of contemporary drone music through its intricate sound design and innovative use of conventional instruments. This album is a compelling narrative in sound, showcasing Malone’s growth as a composer and her inventive reimagining of musical possibilities. - Nate