Analog dreams and digital realities converge on Mall Grab’s latest release “Rascal” on his very own Looking For Trouble label. The Aussie-born, London-based DJ and producer takes a turn from the fast-paced and highly energetic, uncovering a treasure chest of beautifully arranged, warm, and embracing tracks.
Jordon Alexander is at it again, bringing a blend of nostalgia with the freshness of the present. From Ambient-leaning Downtempo to voluminous bass-driven House with Breakbeat sprinkles, the “Rascal” album carries within a color wheel of emotions. Focusing on depth over cheap thrills, visceral sensation and mood are delivered brilliantly, creating an atmosphere of cushy luxury.
If you don’t know who Mall Grab is yet, where have you been? Erupting onto the scene as early as 2014, Alexander is known for his innovative blend of nonconforming House, Techno, Garage, Lo-Fi, and technically impressive DJ skills. Once named Dance music’s biggest new talent, he captivates audiences with catchy melodies, nostalgic samples, and a distinctively raw and emotive sound that resonates both with underground enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike. Scoring top spots with appearances at Berghain, BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix, several Boiler Rooms, and nearly every major club and festival, his demand is through the roof. Celebrated for his ability to bridge the gap between the club and the more intimate, introspective listening, Mall Grab remains a prominent figure in contemporary Electronic music.
Consistently producing quality tracks and EPs over nearly a decade, and across 25+ heavy-hitting label labels, Mall Grab has stayed booked and busy. His unique blend of diverse genres of Dance music, all while keeping a quintessential Mall Grab thread throughout, create an innovative fusion that highlights his incredible musical talent. His ability to evoke feeling and emotional depth, even in the hardest hitting of tracks, is something to behold. It gives listeners an invitation to settle in, relax, and enjoy.
His latest “Rascal” release begins by easing you in like melted butter with “Foxes” loosely enticing you with looped ethereal distorted vocals. The melancholy melody lingering here envelops you in with intricate texture. Leading with a dense, exaggerated bass line, “Workout” holds the same threading yet punches up the pace, summoning dancing feet. A melodic bubbly arpeggio laid atop reminds us that there is still flavor to savor, nodding to the dancefloor.
Up next, “Everything” kicks on with bumping Lo-Fi-esque bass. On first note, you may be reminded of yesteryear’s “Liverpool Street in The Rain” yet, as the tune develops, a completely new and addictive sonic landscape is created. Silky vocals call out “love is everything” in true ‘90s fashion, capturing a deeply hearted-felt essence. All the while, an eerie multi-melody arrangement makes the tune more introspective, cultivating a luscious duality.
“Dive” marks a melody entirely its own, with a haunting twinkling organ and broken-beat entry. The atmospheric multi-melody pairs with vocals in the distance, giving a sense of longing. It is followed by a crisp note of contemplation but a welcomed one as the rolling bass brings a sense of comfort. A perfect choice for the afters or a nighttime joyride, “Rascal” effortlessly invites you to slip into a fall feeling.
Like watching the autumn leaves crisp, Mall Grab poignantly grants the space to let go of things that cannot be changed and gives a glimmer of sunshine through the clouds in the fashion of shoegaze-adjacent Electronic music.
-Jen Warra
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