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maldroid continues. . .
the hardest working guys in town.
Naturally, when achieving what can only be described as impressive credentials in such a short time, some criticism had to follow. In the largely positive coverage from the February 14, 2007 East Bay Express feature, "Video Killed the Radio Star", the author suggests a lack of originality was a "specter haunting Maldroid's music." In a SFist article from July of '07, the author pointed out the likeness between Maldroid's look and that of The Hives, questioning whether it was a tribute or a fashion hijack.
Joshua Carter from Zeromag.com reviewed the Not So Silent Night festival, reporting that one of the members made dismissive remarks about another featured band. Carter claimed that Maldroid's performance didn't live up to the braggadocio, but he also admitted that "they're on the right track." For a fledgling band, the criticism could have been worse. And those critiques occurred in 2007. An interesting lesson, nevertheless, discovering how a little harmless smack-talk or a casually expressed opinion might just show up in the press.
Were they too busy cultivating the Maldroid image to remember the press might actually print what they say and report upon what they do? I don't think so. From the time I ran into them in Chicago to the interview two months later, all of the guys were most gracious. I don't get the sense that arrogance is the cornerstone of Maldroid's personality, especially considering their self-deprecating and sincere thanks to mentor and collaborator, Michael Urbano, in the liner notes of their album.
Good press or bad, whether you love 'em, hate 'em or were completely unaware of 'em until now, you have to respect their tenacity. I spoke with band member AJ Riot after the interview. He informed me that Maldroid had parted ways amicably with Fuzz in July 2008. It seems that Fuzz "changed their focus from the label to develop their web-based networking." Once again, Maldroid is left to add a new dimension to the DIY reputation it's built for itself. I asked how it was going, floating free once again. Riot admits while they've been able to coast upon their own resources thus far, they have "encountered problems a label could definitely help solve."
While still looking around for a label, they're optimistic. At press time, Maldroid made the shortlist of 10 finalists out of 900 submissions to appear in San Francisco's Treasure Island music fest in September 2008. If they win the coveted spot, they'll be sharing a stage with The Raconteurs, Spiritualized and The Kills. Could that give Maldroid the edge in the race for artistic and commercial viability? How are they going to manifest that unknown but undeniable factor that raises them from a really good local band to an unstoppable force?
I'm inclined to say their work ethic will be the first factor in their success. The second is their sense of certainty that they're onto something artistically. It's definitely a gamble, though. The current climate blends old-school traditions like label influence on nationwide markets and new-school musicians who are determined to make full use of the opportunities presented by the web. Although their debut album is rich in catchy hooks and lyrics that range from the thoughtful to the pervy while fearlessly embracing a pop-rock sensibility, it's certain that they'll have to surpass being merely clever and talented to not only compete but win in this environment.
In respect to the early press blurbs about the band's development, Divine now says, "We were born in reverse, but it's a lot more fun to go forward." What does that mean for Maldroid? Their new record "Jet, Set and Forget" is due at the end of '08. Divine says the album represents their attempt at a "Rat Pack Revival." Does that mean a sleeker, manlier version of the prep-school lads who rebel against the robots, refer heavily to the toys of their youth and seem hell bent on making a living out of having a good time? Is that a declaration that they'll retain the humor but also add a bit of Rat Pack polish to their act? I hope so.
I'm looking forward to their sophomore effort. While I liked their debut album, I can't say I was blown away by it. I wasn't completely transformed by their music, but I was entertained and intrigued. I would certainly recommend readers check them out and make up their own minds.
In any case, one person's review of their first full-length album is hardly where the story's at. I see their role in a movement that's happening as the music industry changes at the speed of technology. The story lies in wondering whether or not they're going to surpass that cusp and become what they claim to be: a comprehensive project in which art and video play just as important role as the music.
Maldroid keeps on going, seeming keenly aware of of this cusp they sit upon. There's a charisma, a likability to the music, the videos and to the guys themselves as they work a room or a stage. Observing them from a removed distance, I get the sense that if they can find their niche, the vision, music and image will finally coalesce into that artistic and commercial nirvana which will not only allow them to be Maldroid for a living, but give them the freedom to do it their way.
Sources:
http://sfist.com/2007/12/06/
http://www.theowlmag.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://zeromag.com/articles/
http://www.urb.com/promotions/
About The Author
Nora Gruenberg is a thirty year old wife and mother of one. She lives in Chicago’s southwest suburbs and writes as often as possible. She has been published on 34th Parallel and is currently seeking publication for her first Novel “Delia”.