Album Review: Waldo’s Gift – Malcolm’s Law (Severn Songs)

Bristol. UK, experimental trio Waldo’s Gift will release their debut album ‘Malcolm’s Law’ on January 22nd, 2025, via fellow Bristolian Ishmael Ensemble’s label Severn Songs. ‘Malcolm’s Law’ captures the story of their unusual beginnings: the intense, bizarre weekly residency at Bristol’s Gallimaufry where they built a cult following.

Uniquely and weirdly compelling, there are no words that can accurately sum up the Malcom’s Law experience and what the creative process of Waldo’s Gift is. Forget the line between genius and madness, such a thing doesn’t exist here, they are one and the same. As brilliant as it is absurd, as infuriating as it is fascinating, as richly rewarding as it is wastefully excessive, and as lovable as it is hateable. You’re guaranteed to have some feeling about this nine-track album, one way or another, it’s just too strange to be ignored,

It is a progressively experimental record with layers upon layers of complex instrumentals. Where, sometimes, you can pick out recognisable genres and grip the loose threads to find something that is immediately more appealing. Those moments do exist, but the biggest takeaway continues to be the limits of imagination that Waldo’s Gift seem to push. You could almost call it inhuman, if it wasn’t for the fact that the album has a rich, warm, and almost comforting style that is completely human. There really isn’t anything like this.

Which does make individualising tracks a little hard, especially as the wild and wacky approach means no two tracks sound the same in anyway. If you’re expecting something cohesive here, think again, even if it possible to recognise structure within the album. However, a track like the title track has intense guitar complexities and this anxiety inducing effect running through it, but explodes with bassy groove as it goes on.

Then there are tracks like Classic Waldi Anthem, with its schizophrenic rhythms. Cosy Hour, with its relaxing bass-led thrums and abrasive bursts of intensity. The bright melody of Café Jim, and how it becomes madder and madder as it goes on, and the atmospheric, moody, but pretty sound of Last on the Plane. A special set of tracks on a special album that exemplifies want it means to deliver ‘experimental music’.

For some, this will be the best thing they hear all year. For others, it will be worst. Regardless of your side, it leaves an impression, and that is special.

Waldo’s Gift – Malcolm’s Law Track Listing:

1. Candifloss
2. Malcolm’s Law
3. Classic Waldi Anthem
4. Cosy Hour
5. The Galli
6. Cafe Jim
7. Jellyfish
8. This One is Improvised
9. Last on the Plane

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