Gig Review: Kali Malone At Earth Hackney Review

Drone Master Summons The Storm.

Ever since the birth of the pipe organ - from its usage in the amphitheaters of the Roman empire, to its incorporation into the sacred practices of Western Europe - the instrument's history has been one marked by drama, power and mysticism. The great pleasure in witnessing Kali Malone perform comes from her faithful commitment to this history and the innate theatrics which it entails. 

With the release of her 2019 breakout record ‘The Sacrificial Code’, Malone established herself as one of the most exciting practitioners of contemporary drone and organ music, and has since been expanding the scope of what this means. In exploring ancient polyphonics and tuning systems - but intertwining these with an array of modern synthetic approaches - the power in Malone’s music is found in her ability to unveil new emotive possibilities. 

Although renowned for touring and recording in striking churches across Europe, for this performance we find her separated from the pipe organ which provides the foundation for much of her work. Relying upon a combination of synths, samplers and a soundboard, Malone’s movements are - at every moment - modest, precise and intentional. 

Building gradually from an initial drone sound - analogous to the tanpura in Indian classical music - Malone cycles through passages which slide between harmony and dissonance. Continuously layering varied samples resembling organ-like tones, she is never in a hurry to move on from a sonic idea - seeming always content to step back and reflect on her creation at each stage of its evolution. 

As the intensity of Malone’s composition grows - aided by the introduction of chest-shaking bass harmonies - the lighting begins to shift from its initial, notable simplicity. White beams of light flicker across the increasingly smoke-filled stage - reminiscent of distant lightning. Flashing strobes signal the arrival of the storm as Malone - now fully obscured - is still able to locate new depths to her sonic construction. The immensity of the resulting sound is totally overwhelming - conjuring both wonder and dread in equal measure. 

With the apex reached, Malone begins to steadily peel layers away again - re-revealing the harmonious beauty in her composition. The strobes fade away and are replaced by gently rotating shards of light. Although building towards the set’s conclusion, Malone is, again, careful to take her time. Ensuring that the final moments are not a mere formality but a crucial phase in the musical journey.

After over an hour of continuous playing, the close is marked by a return to the original drone layer which gradually dissipates into the antiquated surrounds of Earth. With only a brief moment's pause for reflection, the crowd rise for an almost inevitable standing ovation. Giving rightful praise to a master composer and storyteller who has so effortlessly weaved together narratives of past and present with raw emotions of awe and angst.