Springfield, Massachusetts musician Robby Malic has shared a new album called Flowers Before Funerals, which acts as a personal journey into his state of mind. Over 13 tracks, the rapper delivers emotional cuts largely produced by Joenis, that prove he is a rising east coast voice to keep an eye on.
Flowers Before Funerals kicks off with the introspective "Barry Bonds", which utilizes hazy keys and subtle synths to create a feeling of anticipation. The song effectively introduces Malic's laid-back, melodic rap style, as he lays some smooth, charismatic vocals down over top of the instrumental. He follows this up with the dreamy "Same Way", a reflective song that is optimistic in tone. Sonically, this song is centred around reverb-soaked guitars that drift above crisp percussion. Moreover, subtle synths add layers to the beat, creating a solid foundation for Malic's sharply-crafted verses. He comes through with some bittersweet vocals, capping them off with a catchy hook that draws the listener in. Next, album highlight "Right Now" pumps the energy up, bringing in icy synths and drifting vocal samples that conjure a sense of urgency. Accompanied by heavy bass and bouncy drums, this exciting track provides much replay value.
Additionally, Malic sounds focused on the bass-heavy "LOOK AT EM", an adrenaline-fuelled offering that contains some of his most potent vocals. He comes through with some piercing verses that draw one into the song's intense atmosphere. Another album highlight appears in "Lost My Voice", which pairs smooth guitars and nostalgic vocal samples with minimalistic drums to create a summery, sparse instrumental. Furthermore, Malic's vocals are evocative, as he reflects on his path as an artist thus far, dissecting the challenges he has faced along the way. Finally, the album closes out strongly with "Flowers (Outro)", which successfully encapsulates the album's reminiscent sound. The instrumental for "Flowers (Outro)" consists of surreal keys which combine with droning synths to create a mercurial mood. Beneath, rugged drums moor the otherwise atmospheric track, pairing with driving 808s to create a powerful rhythm section. Malic completes the album with some of his most contemplative verses, pairing a heartfelt delivery with breathless flows to create an immersive listening experience.
Overall, Flowers Before Funerals is a strong offering from Robby Malic that proves he is one of the leading voices in the rising Massachusetts hip-hop scene. From listening to the album, it is evident that he is a hard working artist who values authenticity deeply, pouring his heart out over 13 well-written tracks. All in all, his thoughtful, expressive style stands out from the crowd, allowing for a truly refreshing listening experience.
