Mal de Mer release new single YOU SAID
Dynamic collective Mal de Mer continue to showcase their ability to morph between genres, taking their core indie-pop-funk sensibilities and adding a rock-edge with their latest single You Said.
Photo Credit: Sarah Gelmi
Based in the rich indie breeding ground of Boorloo/Perth, Mal de Mer’s left-of-centre funk and jazz dowsed sounds, coupled with sincere and intuitive songwriting, and professional-standard musicianship, have placed them a cut above the rest.
Releasing their sophomore EP Sanguine in the last half of 2022, and spending the past six months alone supporting the likes of Alex The Astronaut, The Beths, The Grogans, Telenova, and Jaguar Jones in addition to their own huge headline shows, they’re refined and continuously evolving as the group introduce us to their latest era with the single You Said.
Written collaboratively between the groups 5 members on a trip to Denmark in WA’s south, You Said effortlessly glimmers with moody vocals, and sparkling synth and piano layers, whilst being alluringly abrasive with gritty, hard-hitting guitars and a driving rhythm section- It’s got a rock edge to it that we haven’t seen from the group before.
Collaborating on this song was a phenomenal experience. I first brought the idea of the chorus to the band during our writing trip in Denmark. I had some idea of where I wanted the song to go, but we took it in a completely different sonic direction. I’m chuffed with how rock n roll it is, I feel like it’s something quite different to our usual pop palate.’
– John Harvey (keys/guitar)
Exploring themes of miscommunication and blame-shifting that occurs within relationships, the single sees Mal de Mer ponder a universal experience; burying astute observations amongst raucous riffs and buzzy synths.
‘I think this is a song that everyone can relate to in some way or another. I feel like we’ve all been there- you know it isn’t working but neither of you wants to admit it, and neither one wants to call it off. This is one of my favourite songs of ours to sing live now, it’s a real fun one.’
– Saskia Fleming (vocals/synth)
Praise for Mal de Mer:
does mal de mer suit every mood? i'm struggling to think of a time they wouldn't work on the stereo.
- 4 stars, Declan Byrne (Triple J)
There'll always be a soft spot in my heart for Mal de Mer. The jangly piano! The smart songwriting! The fun of it all! Yet another colourful, classy slice from this loveable bunch.
- 4.5 stars, Abby Butler (Triple J Unearthed)
With both the single and the video [Do You See Me?] serving as endearing representations of the powerhouse of talent that is Mal de Mer, it leaves fans wondering just what’s next.
- Rolling Stone
They're a supergroup of sorts that showcase the community-built aspect of Perth's live music ecosystem… they're able to showcase the peaks of all of the sounds they take from, bringing the best bits together and creating weapons that make Mal de Mer's music stand out from the crowd, something they've been able to show time and time again.
- Pilerats
Mal de Mer 'You Said' Single Launch
With Racka Chachi & The Washing Line Economy
Friday March 17, 2023 - Mojo’s Bar Walyalup/Fremantle