Photo credit: Barnaby Fairley
Manchester alt-rock quartet MALCOM make a striking first impression with their debut EP Step Out Of The Light, a confident four-track release that showcases a band already sounding far beyond their years. Blending the swagger of early 2000s indie rock with the grit of ’90s alternative and classic rock influences, the EP arrives as an assured statement of identity from a group determined to carve out their own lane.
Produced by David Radahd-Jones (The Sherlocks, Boston Manor, The Small Fortunes), Step Out Of The Light captures the band’s raw live energy while allowing space for nuance and musical depth. Across four tracks, MALCOM balance muscular guitar-driven anthems with moments of vulnerability, demonstrating a songwriting maturity that suggests a bright future ahead.
Opening with the explosive “Hard Working Blues,” the EP immediately establishes its intent. Thick guitar riffs, pounding drums and a relentless sense of momentum create a wall of sound that feels equally indebted to modern indie rock and classic British rock traditions. Yet it’s not simply volume that drives the track; beneath the swagger lies a keen sense of melody that keeps the song firmly grounded.
Lead single “Running” stands as the EP’s centrepiece and perhaps its strongest statement. Built around distorted guitars, thunderous percussion and frontman Caz Donaghy’s commanding vocal performance, the track expertly navigates the space between tension and release. Dark, brooding verses gradually give way to a soaring, anthemic chorus that feels tailor-made for festival crowds and packed club venues alike. It’s a song that captures the urgency and ambition of a young band finding their voice.
What makes Step Out Of The Light particularly compelling is its willingness to explore different shades of the band’s sound. While the heavier moments hit with force, tracks like “Silver Tongue” reveal a more restrained and intimate side. Stripped-back arrangements allow the songwriting to take centre stage, highlighting MALCOM’s ability to craft emotionally resonant material without sacrificing their rock credentials.
Throughout the EP, subtle touches help separate the band from many of their contemporaries. Splashes of harmonica inject a welcome dose of character, while the interplay between twin guitarists Evan and Max Morgan creates a dynamic chemistry that gives the songs additional texture and movement. Their instinctive musical connection is evident across every track, helping to shape a sound that feels cohesive yet constantly evolving.
Lyrically and sonically, Step Out Of The Light feels like a declaration of independence. Rather than chasing trends, MALCOM embrace the influences that inspired them while filtering those sounds through their own perspective. Echoes of The Black Keys, Dr. Feelgood and The Killers can be heard throughout, but the band never feel derivative. Instead, they use those influences as building blocks for something distinctly their own.
With its blend of anthemic songwriting, gritty authenticity and impressive musical confidence, Step Out Of The Light establishes MALCOM as one of Manchester’s most promising emerging rock bands. Bold, energetic and refreshingly self-assured, it’s a debut EP that lives up to its title by stepping confidently into view and demanding attention.
