MALVADA
"Malvada"
(Frontiers Music s.r.l.; 2025)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Brazil's Malvada deliver a solid collection of hard rock (complete with the token ballads) on their self-titled debut album (you guessed it), "Malvada."
Most of the tunes on this record are driven by crashing guitar, a strong rhythm section, and the powerful vocals Indira Castillo. Tunes like the opener, "Down the Walls," "After," and "Dead Like You" showcase Castillo's hard rock vocals, while tracks like "Yesterday (My End, My Beginning)" and "Bulletproof" give her an opportunity to show off a smokier, Tina Turner-like style. And the quieter tunes, such as "Como Se Fosse Hejo" and "So Sweet" let her explore her gentler style.
The band is there with her throughout, delivering impressive and surprisingly varied performances ranging from the fast-paced hard rockers to the tender ballads.
My favorite tracks here are "Down the Walls," the intricate "Yesterday (My End, My Beginning" and especially "After," with its bouncy rhythm and sultry vocals. "Bulletproof" is another highlight. Hell, there isn't a bad track here; even the slower ballads hold your attention (even though they do slow things down a bit, despite the fact that they're very well placed). And the couple of tunes recorded in the band's original language work well, too.
Bottom line: I look forward to hearing more for Malvada in the future.
For more information, check out https://malvadabanda.com.br/.
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.
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Copyright © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
