Malojian: Southlands | Album Review

Southlands
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Artist: Malojian
Genre: Singer / Songwriter
Label: Twenty30

Malojian have been through various incarnations, firstly as a duo called Cat Malojian, then briefly as a trio.

At the heart of every manifestation, Belfast’s Stevie Scullion – the softly-sung songwriter with a knack for crafting wee-hours folk tunes – has steered the ship safely to port.

Scullion's second "solo" album is a fuller-sounding affair than its predecessor, thanks to session players who give songs such as Communion Girls and No Alibi an enjoyably idiosyncratic indiepop buzz, and It Ain't Easy a dreamy alt.country flavour.

The skeletal folk tunes are less engaging, with Scullion’s breathy, secretive vocals too slight to command attention in any serious way.

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Still, despite a lack of purpose, there is imaginative songcraft lurking in some unexpected places.

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times