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Chart debut

1571¬The uncompromising Seattle art rockers enter the chart with a respectable rating for their debut album¬True¬

Glad tidings

1603¬A set of mainly very positive early reviews for the 60s-influenced psych-rock / krautrock and blues debut from the first English band signed to Jagjaguwar¬True¬

Danger signs

1599¬Into the chart with a 7.1 rating comes the latest pop project from Danger Mouse, teamed up with Shins frontman James Mercer¬True¬

Lights' out

1586¬The debut album from the much talked-about singer-songwriter is into the chart - but only with a 6.3 rating so far¬True¬

Playlist Archive

Those we have loved (or quite liked anyway)

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Ugly Side Of Love

Malakai

Ugly Side Of Love

The two-piece from Bristol with a debut album of indie rock/pop mixed with psychedelia and samples

Critics average rating

7.1

Label
Invada
Release date
23/02/2009
  1. 8.0 |  Independent on Sunday

    It’s superb stuff; think a less tricky Tricky.
    Read Review

  2. 8.0 |  Spin

    ...they conjure the Kinks ("Moonsurfin") and the Pretty Things ("Snowflake"), but deploy samples to keep the proceedings appropriately sullied
    Read Review

  3. 7.5 |  Pitchfork

    Malachai [known as Malakai in UK] are too respectful of their retro sources to fully veer off the rock'n'roll roundabout, Ugly Side of Love nonetheless revisits a moment in British pop history through a series of surprising U-turns and thrillingly illegal lane changes
    Read Review

  4. 7.0 |  Pop Matters

    ...an outstanding level of consistency, due in no small part to the duo’s open-mindedness when it comes to taking cues from different genres. Trip-hop, reggae, post-punk, rock, pop… it’s all there
    Read Review

  5. 6.0 |  Observer Music Monthly

    Bristolians Malakai mix Love-style garage psychedelia and trippy samples with modern production savvy.
    Read Review

  6. 6.0 |  The Guardian

    It is probably fun to listen to in the right altered state - but what sounds great late on a Saturday night isn't sure to fill the remaining six-and-a-half days with unalloyed pleasure.
    Read Review

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Track preview & download

Malakai: Ugly Side Of Love

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. Warriors £0.79
  • 2. Shitkicker £0.79
  • 3. Snake Charmer £0.79
  • 4. Snow Flake £0.79
  • 5. Omega Time £0.79
  • 6. Blackbird £0.79
  • 7. Moonsurfin £0.79
  • 8. Meechs' Theme £0.79
  • 9. Only for You £0.79
  • 10. Laydown Stay Down £0.79
  • 11. Another Sun £0.79
  • 12. How Long £0.79
  • 13. Fading World £0.79
  • 14. Simple Song £0.79
  • Service provided by 7Digital

Past masters

1614¬As expected, the compilation from one of the most influential indie rock bands of recent years is into the Compilation & Reissues chart with a big score¬True¬

Wake up call

1611¬First batch of reviews for the London trio's shoegaze debut are very encouraging¬True¬

Early warning

1612¬Just about to make an impact on the chart is the 2nd album of minimal indie pop with jazz & electronica overtones from the Oregon duo¬True¬

One to watch

1601¬Some extremely favourable reviews for the Montreal band's 3rd album of psych-flavoured multi-layered indie rock¬True¬

Self help

1602¬The erstwhile nu-ravers have grown up, self-released and self-produced their 2nd album, and reviewers are mostly in favour¬True¬

Middle of the road

1613¬Moderate reviews so far for the Scottish AOR pop rock singer-songwriter. Into the chart with a 5.8¬True¬

Sufi so good

1607¬The LA post-hip hop rapper's "hallucinogenic head-nod" album meanders gently into the chart with a batch of strong reviews¬True¬

Star signs

1608¬Highly promising early reviews for the Texas instrumental ensemble's 4th album of acoustic and piano compositions¬True¬

Hot metal

1610¬Something for metal heads to get excited about: some seriously strong praise for the latest from the Californian stoner metal trio¬True¬