Malakoff have been going strong for 18 months now. Formed from Emma Easy (vocals, acoustic guitar), Martin Bradford-Gago (electric guitar), Planetruth (bass, backing vocals) and Dave Morgan (drums), the alternative, acoustic, female-fronted band from St Albans try and play with limits: how can you balance blazing, gritty electric guitar with acoustic picking? How can an indie drummer and a folk singer possibly work together? How can three strong singer-songwriters with voices aplenty not fall out from musical differences? It really is a mystery, because Malakoff have an EP under their belt, a brand new record out in 2009, and gigs from Cambridge to South London. And haven't really had an argument yet.
In June 2008, the debut EP, At Sea was released.
"'At Sea' is angry, vulnerable and intriguing. It's a beautiful shipwreck." - 7 O'Clock News
Four songs, set against the sea and all it stands for, attempt to take you on a journey and a half. It's a limited edition, so make sure you grab a copy while you can at our gigs, or by emailing emmaeasy@gmail.com.
This year so far, the following lovely people have let us play and made us feel welcome:
The Horn - St Albans
The Inn on the Green - Harpenden
The White Hart - Hertford
Caffé Nero - Hertford
The Boathouse - Cambridge
The Istanbul Basement Bar - North London
The Amber Rooms - Watford
The Green Room - Welwyn Garden City
The Boot - St Albans
The Star - North London
Cocomo - London
The Queen Boadicea - Angel, London
The Portland Arms - St Albans
The Old Barge, Hertford
The Acoustic Club, Bishop's Stortford
Rothamsted Park, Harpenden
Castle Hall, Hertford
Club 85, Hitchin
The White Lion, St Albans
The Dublin Castle, Camden, London
The Albany Club, Deptford, London
Thanks Emma, yeah i still do open mics whenever i can, been playing at monkey chews in chalk farm and the perseverence in central lately, how about you?
Great demo, Em. Like it a lot. Especially the eerieness (that's definitely a word) on the title track. You can't beat a bit of that 'Code' riff, either.
I hope to see you in LDN sometime soon, it's been a while. Perhaps an open mic? My friend Oona and I are considering pulling our acoustic shoes off the hook and getting involved, so that could be fun.
We haven't been in touch for a while. Just to let you know that The New Root are making a rare visit to London tomorrow - Sunday 25th May - to play a gig at The 12 Bar Club on Denmark Street, near Tottenham Court Road.
We'll be giving away free copies of our new single 'Sick of Me' which was described in Venue magazine as: 'an extraordinary sound...the most exhilarating thing we've heard all week."
The evening starts at around 7pm and we will be doing a half-hour set sometime shortly after that. Really hope to see you there!
Many thanks for your comments Emma. I have been asked by my friend Bradley to invite you down to an acoustic open mic evening this Thursday at The Old Bulls Head in Ware. It is quite informal and a good atmosphere. Otherwise the big one is 29th May at The Saracens Head Ware. Hope to see you all soon. William. PS. Hello Dave!!!!
Hey there folks how's things in St Albans? we were there last night... at the Horn Probably should have told you before! Ah well you'll get another chance to see us there on the 1st May. When are you guys playin next?
Hey guys, it was fab to see you at the last Open Mic. Love the live tracks! Hope you can make it on 14 Feb at Caffe Nero. It is a significantly smaller space so let us know if you will have your other band member with you. Until next time... Rochelle
Cool cool, we've got a couple of gigs lined up for the end of Feb and I'm sending copies of the EP out to venues and promoters as we speak! It's gonna be out Mid Feb, I think we're gonna try and do a launch! I'll keep you up to date Fran Measure x
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