Malone Sibun — Come Together

Malone Sibun is the work of UK based soulful blues-rock artist Marcus Malone and British blues-rock guitarist Innes Sibun. Such is the way with many band origin tales; a chance meeting between the pair uncovered a surprising amount of musical common ground and the outfit was born. 

The result of this encounter? A full-length record full of brand new compositions for the world to hear starting with the title track ‘Come Together’ (which I have to stress is not The Beatles number). A groovy drumbeat with flurries of Hammond organ sets the tone and the acapella from Malone is a classy touch. It feels like it is part two to The Guess Who classic ‘American Woman’ which is not about an actual woman but rather Canadians trying to escape The Statue of Liberty as the US tried to enlist them into war. A strong start IMHO.

‘Let Me Love You’ is a vocal highlight from Malone and is not dissimilar to Mr Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company as well as his solo work. The ability to really connect with the listener whilst at the same time having radio airplay in mind is not an easy task.

‘I Want You Back’ is a Sibun written song and the electric guitar just pours out like butter through the speakers and if you enjoy the work of Robbie McIntosh or Elliott Randall then this is for you.

The acoustic guitar on ‘Taste of Your Love’ is warm and inviting as it puts pictures of the mind of travelling across a long and winding river searching for that special person. If Sir Rod Stewart decided to record a swamp blues tune this is how it might sound!

Then we are introduced to ‘Jodie’ who is in need of some cheering up – so Malone Sibun lay down a 1950s rock tune. I wonder if they enjoy the music of Chuck Berry?

‘So Tired Of Living’ is more of a standard blues dealing with the relatable theme of loneliness and is technically on point but not as punchy as its predecessors. Although the rhythm section is on point here. 

‘Love Light’ is not the song I was thinking of that was in the ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ film but another Innes Sibun tune. The guitar solo on this is one that would sound great at a live Malone Sibun gig. Hopefully, that might be on the cards in the future.

‘Rabbit Hole’ hears Malone in a country-rock frame of mind but then you are hit with this guitar riff that echoes the intro to Ray Charles’ ‘What I Say’ as the percussive drums kick in.

The record concludes with ‘Everydays a Miracle’ complete with a laid-back groovy intro and when Marcus Malone sings I’m reminded of the late Arthur Louis full of soul and emotion. The sing-along chorus is complemented by the fluid guitar solo and it would be perfect for radio.

In conclusion, ‘Come Together’ is a strong body of work both lyrically and musically as they have managed to craft songs that will translate on stage and not just in a recording studio. In addition, Malone Sibun is a cohesive unit that (on record at least) sound completely free of ego and that is a truly beautiful thing.

Malone Sibun’s debut album ‘Come Together’ is out now on Redline Music. For more information visit: https://www.malonesibun.com/