Avanti by Malice K (Jagjaguwar)

Malice K
Avanti
Jagjaguwar

There’s a gruffness to Alex Konschuh. But for theThe New Yorker via Los Angelian via Olympian, his rock and roll posture tends to feel small town and not big city. But for Malice K (Alex Konschuh’s music alter ego), his music is confident with a cockiness that does not distract from the songwriting.

“Halloween” sounds like a rock and roll seance, contorting desperation in tone with distortion and feedback as if he is almost speaking in tongues. But when you feel like his demeanor is tough guy, “Hold Me Up” portrays his vulnerability both in verse and music. This comes from embracing mistakes. Avanti is his therapy.

“The Old House” is the haunting of old pop come to life, but he can’t shake free from the ghosts of Elliott Smith that he tries to replicate here. It’s when he further distances himself from past geography when he shines the best.

“You’re My Girl” is the sweet dusty spot where weirdness stands out (in the same way John Vanderslice treats his rock and roll effects) and his rock tantrum is beautifully conveyed. And then you get “Raining,” which feels very Laurel Canyon. Avanti has its ups and downs, but its perspective on the culture is interesting art.