MALFUNKSHUN
"Return
to Olympus" (Sony / Loosegrove; 1995)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Musical history is cluttered with the recorded
remnants of musical prodigies. The brief, yet intense, flame of Mother Love Bone
was preceded by Andrew Wood's band Malfunkshun.
Just like Mother Love Bone avoided direct comparison to the 'grunge' of Seattle,
Malfunkshun took a decided different route to musical infamy. Using glam
attitude and spirit, with the musical freedom afforded by the Seattle scene of
the late '80s, Malfunkshun created free-form music that bridged the gap between
the bombast of '70s rock in the vein of Queen and the '80s raw style and sound
of DIY raw rock'n'roll. Malfunkshun shares more in common with Green River than
some of the better known bands that hit it big during grunge's heyday.
While some tracks have has a bluesy, 'rawk' feel that are as infectious as they
are messy, most of the disc remains rooted in the glam and symphonic sounds more
associated with Queen and David Bowie more adventurous side. Raw emotion
provides the source material for Andrew Wood's unique perspective on life events
and its never a dull moment when he shares his thoughts.
"Return To Olympus" isn't as dynamic as Wood's work with Mother Love Bone, but
it is chock full of delightful musical gems that breathed life into music's past
and injected hope for the future of music. Andrew Wood's star shone brightly,
albeit briefly, and Malfunkshun is evidence of his musical vision and talent.
While Malfunkshun and "Return To Olympus" may not be 'very metal' it does
provide a volume of insight into how rock'n'roll is a primal moving force in the
world and hearts of people everywhere. Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard lovingly culled
these tracks and respect must be paid to him for bringing Malfunkshun to world
at large.
Malfunkshun is Andrew Wood, Kevin Wood, and Regan Hagar.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:02 -0500.
