Album Review: Malojian, This is Nowhere

Northern Irish band Malojian’s style is strikingly simple, yet strangely unlike anything else around. It is this individuality that shines through on their new record, This Is Nowhere. Recorded in Chicago with legendary producer Steve Albini, the nine-track LP borrows from a number of genres (folk, pop, rock, classical) without ever lingering in any of them.

The lyrical content is often melancholy, but the album still feels oddly triumphant. Perhaps it’s the 1960s-esque backing vocals or the laidback rhythms. On occasion it’s very hard to know why you’re enjoying This Is Nowhere. You just are.

The album has a number of stand-outs, notably ‘Aren’t You Lonely’ and ‘I’ll Be Alright’, both of which are simultaneously upbeat and disarmingly sad. They offer powerful proof of Malojian’s ability to create beautiful and chilling melodies.

Elsewhere, the plaintive closer ‘The Great Decline’ is beautifully composed; its lilting piano and gentle instrumentation, combined with singer Stevie Scullion’s anguished vocals, make it the best song on the album.

On the downside, This Is Nowhere suffers from a mid-album slump. ‘Lean On Me’ falls flat, while ‘You’re A Part Of Me’ and ‘Calling Bourneo’ both feel forced and distant. Despite this, This Is Nowhere is well worth hearing.