Malphino are an ‘outer-national’, mystical band offering a uniquely Asian-rooted hypnotic cumbia. Although based in London, the collective of diaspora musicians and visual artists dream further and wider than the big smoke, taking the listener to an imagined tropical idyll.
Malphino’s name is a portmanteau of the original members’ respective nationalities. ‘Mal’ bridges David’s Malaysian origins with Alex’s Phillipino-‘Phino’- roots. This triggered the initial abstract concept of Malphino as an otherworldly place. As the band bonded and created collectively, this idea was embellished and a mythical island began to form aurally.
Malphino’s debut, Visit Malphino takes us around the shores and jungles of their mythical fantasy island. The album offers 17 tracks with titles in both English (“The Sleep Tree”) and Spanish (“Mono Borracho”). Interludes guide us from coast to coast, the tracks stepping stones across the different elements that make up Malphino. Soothing electric guitar and warming bass lines guide the ear on a dreamlike journey, reinterpreting traditional Colombian banda with organ, accordion and tuba. A satisfyingly fluid use of electronic sequencing, rapturous reverb and futuristic echo effects lace together vintage, often psychedelic vocals, progressive melodic lines and tropical animal calls. The percussion is varied: the wood and metal of marimba and guacharaca accent subtle digital warblings, familiar accordion textures, voodoo vapours and woodblock charm. It is hard to resist the fun and intrigue of this tranquil yet energetic odyssey.
| A1 | Through The Arch |
| A2 | Molienda |
| A3 | Looking For Kiwanos |
| A4 | Interludio - The Caves Of Magdalena |
| A5 | The Sleep Tree |
| A6 | Kemu Kemu |
| A7 | Maglalang Avenue |
| A8 | Interludio - Beach of Los Coquitos |
| A9 | Mi Malphino 82' |
| B1 | Ototoa |
| B2 | Interludio - Puerto Flamingo |
| B3 | Viento del Mañana |
| B4 | Interludio - Lluvia de Verde |
| B5 | Segunda Molienda |
| B6 | Impain Ku |
| B7 | Mono Borracho |
| B8 | La Bella Isla |
