Malojian
The Deer’s Cry
Self-Release
A timeless collection of harmony drenched songs for the Indie generation
Last Summer I was invited to cover the inaugural Belfast Skyline Americana Festival and; while chatting to a group of seasoned veterans of the local music scene and a couple who are currently based in Nashville, the name on everyone’s lips was Stevie Scullion AKA Malojian.
Looking like refugees from the Arctic Monkeys, Malojian and his band ‘stole the show’ with a 30 minute set of well crafted and well written songs; that were delivered like well traveled pro’s and they certainly lived up to the previous hyperbole.
Although he was to give me an EP of demos; which I loved, I’ve subsequently waited with baited breath for the actual release, so it was with some trepidation that I nervously slid the disc into the player. Was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!
The title track, which opens the album has a slight psychedelic feel to it and wouldn’t sound out of place on Rubber Soul or The Notorious Byrd Brothers; as do the two song that follow; Checkmate and Mario with their delicious harmonies and multi-layered fuzz-tone guitars, and I don’t say that lightly.
The Old Timer is a beautiful solo effort that leaves the singer with nowhere to hide and the insightful lyrics really bring out the best in the young man’s voice.
If I didn’t know any better I’d think Stevie must have been listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash non-stop before recording Watch The Rain and the achingly beautiful All I Need as the multi-layered harmonies and acoustic guitar playing are drenched in Laurel Canyon sunshine rather than the grey drizzle we associate with his homeland.
Then there is Julie-Anne which stunned me when I first heard him sing it live and subsequently played the demo version three weeks running when I had my radio show. This version is absolutely awesome and could have been recorded at the height of flower power, or indeed Britpop but is bang up to date and will blow away any teenagers who get to hear it.
The Deer’s Cry is a head mix of Folk music laden with Country and Americana sensibilities hiding behind some of the finest melodies I’ve ever heard. Even the artwork that graces the cover oozes quality and would have stopped me in my tracks had I picked it up in a record shop. I really and truly believe we’ve unearthed a star here and I can’t urge you strongly enough to seek out this wonderful album.
Release date: 27th January 2014
The Rocking Magpie 