Mallory Knox are one of those bands that has been around for what feels like forever. However, 2018 marks the start of something new for the legendary rock group.
After nearly a decade and three albums, frontman Mikey Chapman announced on the 14th February that he was going to step down and leave the group. Whilst this was still some pretty devastating Valentines day news, all is not lost. Bassist Sam Douglas, who frequently sang backing vocals, has stepped up to fill the role.
Sam said in relation to ‘Black Holes’: “I think it shows a completely different side to my voice. In taking on lead vocals, that was something I wanted to be able to show from the get-go. It’s a song we’ve played at rehearsal for a while and we’re all really excited about integrating it into the set.”
The 2.0 version of Mallory Knox recently released latest single ‘Black Holes’, which showcased the impressive vocal talent which Sam has been harnessing. It has put to bed any questions or reservations about the band’s quality despite the recent changes, as it continues to produce an impressive almost ‘come back’ track.
Douglas says about the lyrics of the track ‘Black Holes’, “it’s all too easy in this day and age to post every single thought we have online, and at times too much can be said. Everybody seems to be so quick to have an opinion on something, which they often know nothing about, and I struggle to defend how much negativity is spouted online.
“We really wanted to make sure that emotion was captured in the recording and our producer Adrian Bushby really brought out the bare bones of the song in the best way. It’s a conscious effort to go back to basics. We really want the listener to be able to hear every part being played and I feel we’ve achieved that.”
Their new and improved sound has held on to their dark grungy rock sounds, without sounding too similar, but neither sounding a million miles away in a new direction. Whilst it is still a shame that Mikey has departed from the band, as he had an undeniably talented vocal, it has not been in distaste. In a recent statement from the band, they respect his decision and wish him well. It’s a new and exciting chapter for the band and I can only begin to imagine the possibilities of how far the band’s musical talent will take them in the future.
Mallory Knox has also released a string of intimate venue gigs in April, make sure you get down as a gig at this intimate scale will probably be a rarity in the future, catch them at their Manchester show on the 23rd April at Manchester Rebellion.
APRIL:
16 Brighton The Haunt
17 Cardiff The Globe
18 Exeter Cavern
20 Stoke Sugarmill
22 Glasgow King Tut’s
23 Manchester Rebellion
24 Birmingham Mama Roux’s
26 Nottingham Bodega
28 Selby Pop Punk Pile-Up Festival
