La Tray

Band: Malossi
Album: First Bore EP
Released: 2003

I am not sure if I am supposed to or not, but I get a real giggle out of this band from Norway called Malossi. From what I gather, Malossi take their name from a European company who specialize in designing and selling performance exhaust packages for . . . well . . . 50cc scooters. In this genre of tattooed longhairs trying to seem so hard (or is the term street?), there is nothing in the motor world less badass, at least in my mind, than a freakin' motor scooter. Check out the stage names these guys are sporting and you will guess that either they have a very subtle, and therefore top shelf, sense of humor, or they are way out on a limb trying to bring a new perspective on the whole gas and oil spin delivered so often to this kind of music. If it's the latter, then I'm afraid I would be forced to be laughing AT them, rather than WITH them.

Odd gimmicks aside, the music is pretty cool. Nothing new here -- big, raw, hard rock riffs with gritty vocals and solid performances on every instrument -- but it is still music I would be inclined to listen to more often than not, not too far in sound to something like the first Grand Magus album. Given a choice between Malossi and some bigger names, like High on Fire, for example, and I'll take Malossi. These are not just riffs and bludgeoning power, they are songs, and that is what I throw albums into the CD changer for 99% of the time.

It's tough to judge a band on three songs, but as a demonstration as to what Malossi is all about it certainly piques my interest to hear more. I would give a full length release from these guys a listen. I don't know how far they can go with the scooter gimmick, but it's a lot of fun. 2 of the 3 songs on this EP are available via MP3 download from their website, so check them out.


Track Listing:
01. 11 Horses
02. 50cc's are Not Enough
03. Smell That Overall

Lineup:
Roy Bigbore - Guitar/Vocals
Tommy Longstroke - Guitar
Chris Muffler - Bass
Öyvind Pushrod - Drums

Link:
http://www.malossi.cc/

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