After cutting his teeth with critically adored, Peterborough rockers, The Sweet Homewreckers, Cam Malcolm is now all growns up, recently graduated, and on the search for new musical direction. With the demise of the Homewreckers, Cam has returned home to Hamilton, Ontario where he recorded his debut solo effort: A Little Bit Of History. The largely homespun EP contains six tracks, each exploring different musical shades while chronicling his own personal and historical stories. On stage, he can often be found accompanied by 'The Owls,' a surly crew of musicians usually including brother Fraser Malcolm on drums, Adam Melnick on bass, and James Taylor on guitar. Stay tuned for big things, small things, and hopefully some stops across the country!
"Taking cues from local legends Doug Feaver and the Fat Cats with more contemporary, punk country stalwarts like Cuff The Duke and even Born Ruffians, A Little Bit of History is an efficacious listen, proof that Malcolm is comfortable, playful and even daring in his own instrumental skin. It’s less disorganized than the Sweet Homewreckers, but again, maintains a loose structure. Choral harmonies ebb and flow through clangy, acoustic guitar parts, all centered on Malcolm’s frail but affecting vocals. It’s slightly messy, yes, but it’s better that way... This is Malcolm’s most mature effort to date, one that expands on previous outputs by understanding and learning from past triumphs, failures and lessons." - Shain Shapiro, View Magazine.
"After putting together The Inbreds reunion show and getting to revisit the sounds that drove my listening habits a decade ago, I have to admit I’m soaking in every DIY, lo-fi guitar record I can find. I’ve never really been one for lush arrangements that pile layer on top of layer, especially when they are stacked up against the emotion of a simple, raw riff that grabs your ear without studio magic or epic builds.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, “thank you, Cam Malcolm.â€
Cam’s debut EP – A Little Bit of History – might not seem like much on the surface. It’s a mere six songs, mostly recorded live or at impromptu, fast moving studio sessions, but A Little Bit of History is the type of springboard that most artists never manage to pull off. You see, you can either go one of two ways. Most people put out an EP that has been meticulously crafted and over-thought, and then don’t have the catalog to follow it up. Others – especially lately – hastily put together an EP and then once it gets some attention, rework the songs and take all the energy and spontaneity out of the effort.
But Malcolm seems happy to cobble together his sketches and move on. The six songs that make up the EP are a representation of where Cam was at musically and personally. In six months, he might have moved onto another style, but it won't affect the sincerity of the efforts. You see, Cam's songs act as thoughts, instead of complete stories and as a they result crackle with a static that pulses through every note. Whether it’s a crunchy, acoustic garage riff (The Thing About Us), a touching steel laced ballad (Henry David, Young Thoreau), or a spacey, slow burner like Empire Corners, Malcolm lets his songs breath.
Ideas are exposed but never fleshed out to the point that they become unrecognizable. Basement Rock is a catchy acoustic riff with a few well placed hand claps and maraca shakes, but as Cam sings with (and about) the freedom of youth, the rawness of the track is what makes the sing-along ready ditty. When he explodes into a solo, it feels like a natural extension of the song - one of those decisions we all made without too much thought - instead of a formulaic process.
As we get older, it’s becomes easier and easier to forget nights we spent with friends just listening to the music or reading the books that shape who we become. I know A Little Bit of History is "just" an EP, but it’s a terrific glimpse into what makes Cam who he is. And as you let the songs repeat, singing along without even noticing, it also makes you wonder if A Little Bit of History might just be the brief introduction to Malcolm’s long career." Herohill.com
'A Little Bit of History' can be had for $10 even (postage included). Paypal we're working on, but we like snail mail mostly. If you're interested e-mail [email protected] and we'll get in touch!
'Underwater Here Tomorrow' Live from Gus' Pub, Halifax NS:
Cam Malcolm and the Owls from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo .
