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Mallavora

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Mallavora
OriginBristol, England
GenresAlternative metal
Years active2019–present
LabelsMarshall
Members
  • Jessica Douek
  • Larry Sobieraj
  • Ellis James
  • Jack Pedersen
Websitemallavora.co.uk

Mallavora is an English alternative metal band based in Bristol. Formed in 2019, the band is composed of lead vocalist Jessica Douek, guitarist Larry Sobieraj, bassist Ellis James, and drummer Jack Pedersen. Since their inception, they have released two EPs, Paradise (2020) and Origins (2023), and have performed at festivals including 2000trees and Download Festival. They have been noted for their advocacy of social causes, in particular disability access at concert venues.

History

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The band originated while the members were attending various universities in Birmingham.[1][2] Drummer Jack Pedersen, bassist Ellis James, and guitarist Larry Sobieraj played together casually starting in 2017, but the band became a serious endeavor with the addition of vocalist Jessica Douek in August 2019.[1] Their name came from the scientific name for the honey badger (Mellivora capensis), "a tough little animal unafraid to take on large predators".[2][1] The following month, they performed at Worcester Music Festival.[3][4]

Mallavora debuted with several singles in 2019 and early 2020, earning radio play on Planet Rock, TotalRock, and BBC Music Introducing.[5][6] One of these, "Favourite Mistake", was given a virtual reality video.[5] The band's touring plans for 2020 were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Despite this, their debut EP, Paradise, was released in August 2020.

In early 2021, the band were featured on the Voices for the Unheard playlist, curated by the band Nova Twins alongside a compilation album of the same name meant to celebrate POC artists in alternative music.[7] 2022 saw the band release two more singles, "Imposter" and a cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game".

The band released another single, "Disorder", in February 2023, with a music video premiered by Soundsphere magazine the following month.[8] The song gained virality on TikTok and saw play on BBC Radio 1's Future Alternative program.[8][9] Their second EP, Origins, was released on May 12, 2023. The following summer, they performed at the 2000trees festival in Gloucestershire, headlined by American Football, Eagles of Death Metal, and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, among others.[10][11]

In February 2024, Mallavora won Kerrang! Radio's "The Deal" competition.[12][13] Their prize included an Avalanche Stage spot at that year's Download Festival, alongside Billy Talent, Silverstein, and Noahfinnce;[12][14][15] a signing to Marshall Records;[16] and recording sessions for a new EP, with Skindred guitarist Mikey Demus producing.[12][16] The following June, they released the single "Skin" from these sessions.[17][16] That same month, Alternative Press included the band in a list of "rising artists to know this month".[16]

Musical style and influences

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Mallavora are typically described as a heavy metal and alternative metal band.[2][12][16] Their sound has been compared to Nothing More, Fire from the Gods, Nova Twins, and Wargasm.[2][8] According to Sobieraj, the band originally played indie rock before adopting a heavier sound when Douek joined.[2]

The group has cited a variety of influences, including Alter Bridge, Mastodon, My Chemical Romance, Rage Against the Machine, Muse, Phantogram, Placebo, Black Stone Cherry, and Radiohead.[1][2][3] Pedersen has named John Bonham, Ian Paice, Keith Moon as influences on his drumming,[1] while Douek takes vocal influence from older soul/rock and roll singers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Sam Cooke, as well as more modern vocalists like Nothing More's Jonny Hawkins, Nova Twins' Amy Love, and Brass Against's Sophie Urista.[1][2]

Advocacy

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Mallavora have advocated for a number of social causes, both in their music and in public statements. They have used social media, particularly Instagram, to address gender and racial disparity in rock and metal.[2] Douek, who has fibromyalgia and sometimes requires mobility aids,[18] has often spoken about the lack of accessibility at rock venues,[18][3][13] and the band strives to play wheelchair-accessible venues whenever possible.[18][13] Their song "Disorder" was written about Douek's experiences with ableism.[8][3] Other songs have addressed topics of domestic abuse ("Deceiver"),[2] addiction ("Favourite Mistake"),[1] societal alienation ("Skin"),[17][16][13] and transphobia ("Wake Up").[13]

Members

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  • Jessica Douek – lead vocals
  • Larry Sobieraj – guitar
  • Ellis James – bass, vocals
  • Jack Pedersen – drums

Discography

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Extended plays

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  • Paradise (2020)
  • Origins (2023)

Singles

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  • "Daylight" (2019)[19]
  • "Ego" (2020)
  • "Deceiver" (2020)
  • "Favourite Mistake" (2020)
  • "Paradise" (2020)
  • "Imposter" (2022)
  • "Disorder" (2023)
  • "Villain" (2023)
  • "Wake Up" (2024)

Music videos

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Year Title Director
2019 "Daylight" Jay Hillyer
2020 "Ego" Charlie McMorine
"Deceiver"
"Paradise" Alex McDonald
2022 "Wicked Game" Adam Gorecki & Lizzie Kim
"Imposter" Caleb Hartley
2023 "Disorder" Fish Outta Water
"Villain"
2024 "Skin" Murray Deaves

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Purdie, Iain (29 May 2020). "Band of the Day: Mallavora". The Moshville Times. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Quiles, Alyssa (3 June 2021). "Mallavora are using their platform to create an inclusive space in music". Alternative Press. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Arthur, Joel (7 September 2023). "ONE ON ONE: AN INTERVIEW WITH MALLAVORA!". Hive Magazine. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Worcester Music Festival 2019". Worcester Music Festival. 9 January 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b Staff (26 June 2020). "Mallavora shares new virtual reality video for latest single". The Rockpit. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  6. ^ "BBC Radio Leicester – BBC Music Introducing in Leicestershire and Rutland, 22/06/2019". BBC. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  7. ^ Carter, Emily (4 February 2021). "Nova Twins showcase alternative POC artists with charity compilation album". Kerrang!. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d Smith, Dom (3 March 2023). "Exclusive: Listen to Mallavora's explosive new tune, 'Disorder'". Soundsphere Magazine. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Radio 1's Future Alternative, with Nels Hylton: Marlhy Future Flavour!". BBC Radio 1. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  10. ^ Moore, Em (28 February 2023). "Festivals & Events: Eagles of Death Metal, American Football, The Joy Formidable, more added to 2000trees". Punknews.org. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  11. ^ Jamieson, Sarah (28 February 2023). "Black Honey, Employed To Serve & more to play 2000trees festival this summer". DIY. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d Colothan, Scott (22 February 2024). "Mallavora to play Download Festival 2024 and record EP after winning The Deal". Kerrang! Radio. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d e Hill, Serena (4 August 2024). "LIVE REVIEW: Mallavora @ Rough Trade, Bristol". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  14. ^ Staff (26 March 2024). "Kerry King, Creeper and more added to Download Festival 2024". Kerrang!. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  15. ^ Pilley, Max (27 March 2024). "Download 2024: Kerry King, Creeper and Soft Play lead new names on line-up". NME. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Hardman, Neville; Zanes, Anna (24 June 2024). "6 rising artists to know this month". Alternative Press. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  17. ^ a b Colothan, Scott (6 June 2024). "Mallavora unleash 'Skin' music video". Kerrang! Radio. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Thomas, Jen (7 June 2024). "'I've had to stop so many things in my life… but I'm not prepared to give up music': The truth about touring with chronic illness". Kerrang!. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  19. ^ Daylight, 10 July 2019, retrieved 16 August 2023
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