Like most producers who blew up during the lo-fi house boom circa 2016, Australia's Mall Grab never intended to be shoved into one category, and his music has constantly expanded and refined since then, embracing influences like grime and techno. What I Breathe, his 2022 debut full-length, is a somewhat nostalgic but still forward-thinking trip through his various interests. Barely containing anything that could be described as laid-back, carefree house, the tracks are generally vivid and brimming with energy. Early on, "I ...
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Like most producers who blew up during the lo-fi house boom circa 2016, Australia's Mall Grab never intended to be shoved into one category, and his music has constantly expanded and refined since then, embracing influences like grime and techno. What I Breathe, his 2022 debut full-length, is a somewhat nostalgic but still forward-thinking trip through his various interests. Barely containing anything that could be described as laid-back, carefree house, the tracks are generally vivid and brimming with energy. Early on, "I Can Remember It So Vividly" pairs fast, kicking electro beats with glimmering synths. "Love Reigns" is an instantly memorable house anthem with a huge piano hook. Brendan Yates of hardcore band Turnstile shouts through "Understand," making for the album's wildest contrast. Nia Archives is the featured vocalist over "Patience"'s blissfully skipping beats. "Spirit Waves" makes a momentary return to anthemic house, then things get darker and more breakbeat-heavy with harder, more complex tracks like "Intercity Relations." "Times Change," with guests D Double E and Novelist, is a successful, exciting clash between jungle and grime, and "Metaphysical" has more charged-up breaks and vicious bass. The dazed comedown "Lost in Harajuku" feels like the only appropriate exit from an album with such relentless, ecstatic highs. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi
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