Review
Stepping onto the alt-pop board with the confidence of a seasoned chess grandmaster, KiNG MALA's debut album, "And You Who Drowned in the Grief of a Golden Thing," is a strategic move that pivots on the delicate balance of power and vulnerability. Released in 2025, this album doesn't just occupy squares; it captures the essence of a narrative that's as haunting as it is hypnotic. Drawing from the stark lines of brutalist architecture and the shadowed corners of Robert Eggers' "The Witch," KiNG MALA crafts a sonic realm where the allure of power is as seductive as it is destructive, much like the siren call of an enchanting gambit in a high-stakes match.
With a voice that commands attention, she navigates the treacherous waters of desire and obsession, her vocals oscillating between a whispered check and a resounding checkmate. Tracks like "POSSESSION" and "GØD" are not mere pawns in this conceptual game; they are the rooks and knights, delivering the album's thematic payload with a precision that's both chilling and mesmerizing. KiNG MALA has orchestrated a debut that resonates with the universal hunger for control, draping it in the rich tapestry of Egyptian death lore and the grim realities of human nature. It's a powerful opening salvo from an artist who's clearly playing to win, and "And You Who Drowned in the Grief of a Golden Thing" is the proof of her prowess, laid out on the board for all to witness. - Zach
