DSR 049 -

Debut tape of distraught and unhinged Olympia, WA crust.

This young crew brings fresh energy to the classic US crustcore formula. These songs are rooted in the kind of guttural early DIY punk played by bands like Disrupt and Destroy, but played with a wild energy and exuberance that brings them fully into the present.

"Formed in 2023, MALAISE have felt like Olympia’s best-kept secret. Though their demo, a home recording, “SEEK THE CHANGE” displayed a strong concept for the band, it has since fallen short as a representation of the band in its current form.

This self-titled release, “MALAISE,” serves to give an accurate depiction of the band’s current state. It’s crushing. Recorded by Capt. Tripps Ballsington, and mastered by Sasha Stroud, the vision of MALAISE is materialized fully, and it’s devastating.

The lyrical content of this release serves as an authentic view into the inner dialogue and emotional spectrum of a radical person in the world today. Fluctuating between hope and despair, the non-linearity and complexity of thought are recognized completely. The delivery by the two vocalists captures this ever-changing outlook accurately.

While not deviating from the crust canon, the playing on this release does serve as a display of the genre’s darker side, without compromising any speed or intensity. It’s a totally dynamic experience that leaves the listener disoriented yet engaged on the initial listen. It demands attention. While remaining chaotic and raw, it’s intentional and well-strategized. Throwing the listener between slower breakdown sections, blazingly fast riffs that are accompanied by blast beats or the occasional double kick pedal, every listen-through of the release leaves one with a feeling of excitement. With every listen it feels like there’s a new aspect worth praising. The leads, most of which were written day of recording, capture the creativity of the band wonderfully.

If you’ve got a crust-related itch, beyond the one you get from wearing those patch-covered pants you have sworn never to wash, this record is an undeniable and thorough scratch.

This is an undeniably strong first point of contact with the band. I’m certainly convinced that MALAISE are one of the best bands playing crust at the moment. They continue to write, play, and show no sign of letting up. It’s senseless to deny; that this is a release that’s worthy of picking up, and MALAISE are a band worth following.

Cheers to DESOLATE RECORDS and MALAISE"

-VICTIM OF (PHYSIQUE)

https://desolaterecords.bandcamp.com/album/malaise-s-t