Description
In the field of experimental musical terrain, Kali Malone and Drew McDowall have each been making significant contributions for years. Venturing into 2025 with the release of their collaborative album ‘Magnetism’, the duo deliver a sound that beautifully merges evoked emotions, euphoria, and arresting melodies. Malone, previously known for her opulence in organ music and McDowall, indispensable in his timbral synthesis, have teamed up to create an album that showcases their individual strengths in a vibrant and remarkable manner.
Malone, a composer rooted from Denver and McDowall, have known each other for an extended period before working together in 2025. The concept of ‘Magnetism’ was entirely unplanned and spontaneous, allowing flexibility and creativity in the process. The duo beholds a common objective in their musical exposition— trusting each other’s artistic instincts and allowing it to drive the entire production. Despite recording the album in a day in McDowall’s Brooklyn studio, ‘Magnetism’ is a fusion of remarkable spontaneity and focus.
The amalgamation of McDowall’s signature synthetic sound with Malone’s distinctive analogue and digital synthesised melodies presents a captivating dimension of their artistic evolution. While the album is filled with instrumental warmth and soothing harmonics, ‘Magnetism’ is undeniably a charmer in its lyrical storytelling. Malone, expressing her sentiment about the album, states that playing the music felt cathartic and echoed internal voices she harbored for so long.
‘Magnetism’ is not a monotonous drone but a marvel that breathes life into every sound, leafing through various emotional passages throughout its lifespan. Even the seemingly tranquil ‘Withdrawn into the Source’ is more inviting than one might assume, striking a balance between audacious and soothing blends. The combination of instruments and synthesiser employed keeps the album grounded, yet elevated, resembling the out-of-the-box and enigmatic appeal of artists such as John Also Bennett, Léo Dupleix or Aleksi Perälä.
Malone’s transition from producing original compositions of pipe organ to synthesised soundtracks marks her diversity as an artist. The artist was daring enough to deviate from her comfort zone with ‘Living Torch’, a 33-minute composition showcasing a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments. Malone’s growth and daring artistry is commendable as she does not shy away from challenging herself and exploring different facets of music.
Over the years, Malone has collaborated with renowned artists like Stephen O’Malley, Ellen Arkbro, and Lucy Railton, affirming her adaptability and compatibility in creating monumental compositions. This versatility shines through in ‘Magnetism’, the creation drawn from the wellspring of Malone and McDowall’s friendship, individual talents, and mutual respect for each other’s craft. Thus, ‘Magnetism’ is a product of camaraderie, skills and a celebration of music that pushes the boundaries of the familiar and ventures boldly into the unknown.
