Malachi

I was fortunate enough to catch Malachi at the Bouquet a couple of Saturdays ago. The metal-heads around town have probably heard of Malachi's late counterpart, The October Tree. A few members crossed over from The October Tree and for quite a while, the bands existed simultaneously. It might make one wonder why all of that musical vision couldn't be contained by one band, but after you've seen them both, it becomes clear. Malachi is anything but metal, but is no less intense and has embraced the softer side of the epic, dramatic sound that many a metal musician strives to attain with a fast tempo and amps cranked.

When Boise's local musicians discuss their peers, and they do, and the topic of Malachi comes up, the comparison to Meatloaf often makes its way into the conversation. Though that comparison does ring true in some ways, it is in no way derogatory. The resemblance lies in their tendencies toward mid-tempo, grand and ambitious power-ballads. Personally, I don't think of Meatloaf. Instead I'm reminded of the great storyteller prog-rockers of the 60's and 70's such as Pink Floyd (especially The Wall) and King Crimson.

I've seen Malachi a few times, and every time, I'm floored at some point during the performance. And that Saturday night at The Bouquet they seemed to be in rare form. For the first time I noticed the guitar player taking solos, which added variations in the melody to contrast and compliment the always top-notch singing. Bands such as Malachi with a creative vision and the stones to carry it out are both a sign of a burgeoning music scene and an encouragement to that scene. They play frequently and word has it that an album is in the works.

-Tom Kershaw
www.boiseweekly.com
- The Boise Weekly