Album Review: Malaki – 'Chrysalis'

Having already enjoyed considerable streaming success, 21-year-old Dublin hip-hop act Hugh Mulligan, aka Malaki, has confirmed his status as one of the country’s finest young artists with the release (on vinyl, folks) of the superb Chrysalis.

Showing impressive musical dexterity, Malaki variously ventures into moody trap workouts (‘Paper Prophecies’), Burial-style atmospherics (‘46A’), and warm jazz grooves (‘Spreadsheets & Love Notes’). Best of all here is ‘Fair Play’, a funky jam with stunning soul vocals from Lucy McWilliams.

Lyrically, meanwhile, Malaki takes a deep dive into the gritty details of urban life, in a manner reminiscent of The Streets or Kae Tempest. Overall, this is a hugely accomplished effort that has Hot for 2021 written all over it.

• 8/10, out now.