The
truly legitimate and dedicated artists belonging to the freak-folk genre have
been dismally declining over the past decades. There is however, Devendra Banhart, who faithfully maintains a tight grip on the essential patchwork of sounds
that make freak-folk unique. Banhart’s latest album Mala is the definition of such genre, which is to say it is an
elongated, unequally dispersed collection of songs mixed with obscure
instrumentals.
The
six previous albums under Banhart’s belt have contributed to a more mature
approach in his songwriting style. One of the notable features about this album
is the subtle use of alternate languages that often pleasantly glide from
English to Spanish to some indistinguishable speech. In his last album, What Will We Be, there was an
overpowering lack of cohesiveness that seemed to have songs strung together in
disunity. Mala is his best attempt at
an easily consumable album for the typical top-to-bottom listener. Accompanying
the better match up of songs, Banhart also fails to compromise the freak-folk
roots that pulse throughout his past music.
The
song that speaks volumes on the lyrical cleverness Banhart possesses is most
evident in the song “Never Seen Such Good Things.” In this one, he humorously
takes the opposite opinion most guys take when trying to compliment a girl by
saying “If we ever make sweet love again, I’m sure that it will be quite
disgusting”. Not only are the lyrics absurdly funny, but also the overall song
is enhanced with the inclusion of polished layers of instrumentals despite
being recorded out of a thrift shop.
Those
looking to fill their playlists up with a track that absorbs the mind with
convincing electronic guitar lines may become enamored with “Won’t You Come
Home.” The soft murmuring vocals in this song target the individual spectator
and definitely isn’t one to breakthrough the club settings. “Mi Negrita”, which
translates to endearment for girls with dark skin or hair, continues Banhart’s
multilingual efforts by being a laid-back love song all in Spanish. There are a
few duds scattered throughout with the most indisputable proof being “A Gain.” That song fails to gain any traction throughout the 90-second time frame making
it one of the filler tracks used to meet expected album lengths.
Followers
will enjoy the normative direction this album has continued upon, but newcomers
may disapprove of the often fragmented structure of the track list or the
seemingly outdated genre of music. Mala may
not be a completely revolutionary album, but it doesn’t stray too far from the
freak-folk niche Banhart has wedged himself into.
Grade: B
I never sat through "What Will We Be" all the way through, but there were enough solid tracks (especially the first 4 or 5) that made it worth skipping around.