Rain Machine is the stunning debut solo album from TVOTR (TV On The Radio)'s singer-guitarist, Kyp Malone. In it, Malone explores his darker and dirtier side with in-depth emotional and psychological exploration.
For a long time, critics gave the credit of TVOTR's success to the YYY's (Yeah Yeah Yeah) producer and fellow band mate Dave Sitek. However after the disaster of Sitek's 'Scarlett Johansson' side project and the advent of 'Rain Machine', it's Kyp Malone, the fleet-fingered guitarist, who shines most brightly on TVOTR's latest "Dear Science", and his work is consolidated here with an emotional roots and modern jazz feel that gives Rain Machine its raw power to draw you in.
Malone is drawing out of the shadows with this latest release, assisted through his recent production efforts of 'Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson' ' stunning debut - a record of absolution that this, Kyp Malone's own solo offering, shares a turbulent spirit with.
Rain Machine is introspective - to the point of being painfully earnest. Half of the album matches anything TVOTR have ever done. Kyp utilises the same sonic tricks in digital ballads infused with banjo's and Kyp's own grit and emotionally open lyrics giving insight into the darkness of his very life. Opener 'Give Blood' explodes with raging tribal beats and makes you want to dance awkwardly around a bonfire, freeing you spirit from the darkness of your physical form. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvSLoo5rwZE>. Others come with hand claps and tambourines on such tracks as 'Free Ride'. The most engaging track of the record is however, the raw 'Smiling Black Faces' which opens coldly with gentle strumming followed by Kyp's melodic cooings that emphasise the reminiscence of the lost. The song is a damning exposition of the shooting of a young black man.
The second half of the album however, fails to meet the standards of the stunning first tracks, the album falling away somewhat toward the end, Malone seen kicking the dirt in the darkness. The emotionally raw attitude remaining the same but becoming repetitive.
Overall, the opening LP from the TVOTR guitarist offers an intriguing insight into the mind and soul of a man who we will no doubt be seeing more from in the future. This album, poignant and gritty, engagingly explores the darker side of life.
7 / 10
Kooch.
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