Malaria! – Cheerio

It seems that there are some artists whom people never lose an affection for, in this case it’s Malaria! with their experimental electronic vision of Nico [late of the Velvet Underground], and their presentation of Cheerio, which should be permitted to be played live in the Chelsea Hotel only [also made famous by Nico and the Velvet Underground]. That being said, Mr. Dylan, another artist of enduring affection, is featured here as well, with a delightful version of “Lay Lady Lay.”

Cheerio is a melodic meandering artistic adventure seemingly designed to occupy the actual air that you breath … ethereal yes, but not light and breezy, more of a barometrically humid atmosphere, awash in warmth, almost dripping with moisture, where the band are intent on not so much laying waste to your ears, but turning you into a wobbling sleepy-head, shoes filled with sand, causing you to shuffle along at best, though you’ll be more content if you find a chair and collapse into it.

While the electronic beats on their own could sound quite repetitive, with strong clear visionary vocals that have been mixed with a background lifted straight from Siouxsie & The Banshees, the songs come off darkly magical, nearly out of place and out of step in any era, suitable for a black & white film soundtrack to something voyeuristic, something perhaps we’re not supposed to view.

I would imagine, or at least hope that Malaria’s! live shows are as visually artistic as well, where a formalized avant-garde setting is constructed and designed to slowly draw in and encapsulate your visual perceptions.

*** The Fun Facts: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness … though why the Malaria! have chosen to enhance their name with an exclamation mark is beyond me, though the exclamation mark is used to express exasperation, astonishment, surprise, or to emphasize a comment or short sharp phrase. In writing and literature, the exclamation mark should be used sparingly.
Cheerio is an expression of good wishes on parting, as in goodbye. Cheerio or plural cheerios in New Zealand and Australia is a small h’ordeuvre often consumed with tomato sauce at parties. Cheerios are also an American breakfast cereal … though I would strongly imagine that this all female German band take their name from the greeting of hello.

Review by Jenell Kesler