Rain Machine - Give Blood

It has long been my opinion that everything TV On The Radio does is awesome. But since the self-titled debut release of lead singer Kyp Malone's solo project, dubbed Rain Machine, I've had to update that to include everything even associated with the band. It's been a while since I've heard an album as strikingly original and unapologetically raw as this, and the only reason it's not at the top of the charts (yet?) is directly as a result of these qualities. I guess some people just can't handle unrestrained emotional expression, even in musical form. If you want to be moved by music, though, this is the way to do it.

Rain Machine - Give Blood


While I chose the leading single (and also the catchiest track) to share with you, dear friends, it's impossible to do justice to this album by limiting myself to one song only - there's just so much more going on. Each song to me seems to represent a distinct set of emotions, and in such a way that they are at times strangely familiar. The trumpet-like guitar in "Hold You Holy" resounds with triumphant love, while Malone's s swooping falsetto in "Winter Song" speaks of freedom and happiness. "Love Won't Save You" is desperately bitter, with vocals that sound more painful with each repetitive cry of the title. It's the most intense song on the album, and also the most difficult and yet captivating to listen to. On another level entirely, the primal beats and rough, jagged guitar sound of "Give Blood", along with the frenzied chanting of the song's title, give it a wild energy that is worthier of a tribal trance than a dancefloor, but would work pretty well in either setting. A little over two minutes in, Malone lets loose a scream that is almost animal before launching into another explosive verse. Dude clearly isn't fooling around here.


Malone's distinctive command of guitars both electric and acoustic is masterful, but what really strikes me about this album is just how unique Malone's voice is. While it fits in perfectly with the TVotR material, the huge sound of their music often makes it difficult to listen to the vocals alone among all that beautiful noise. With Rain Machine, however, the music is stripped down to a much more intricate level, allowing Malone to experiment more with the sound of his voice. The results are simply astounding, showcasing the incredible control he has over what is a truly unusual vocal style.

Cover art, drawn by Malone himself

In all, Rain Machine not only gives me a new respect for Malone as a solo artist, but also makes me appreciate TV On The Radio's music even more. It's a really great insight into an important part of their music that comes from Malone himself - and it's no wonder that, with so much musicality evident in just one member of the band, their collective efforts are so mindblowing. Perhaps a few other solo projects are in order...

Just remember...you heard it here first.