Balancing vulnerability and sonic bravery, Ciao Malz is making a memorable impression with “Two Feet Tall” from her upcoming EP, Safe Then Sorry, out on Audio Antihero Records on December 6th. The song showcases Ciao’s knack for weaving emotionally charged themes with a distinct musical spiritedness not often created.
The contrasting dynamics of Cias’s voice and the interplay between the quivering, almost hesitant leads and driving, insistent percussion, captures a feeling of shrinking under self-imposed pressures. It’s this audio depiction of tension that creates a feeling like trying to stay still in a rushing current.
What makes this track unique is the way Ciao uses subtle dissonance. The glistening yet slightly warped production choices highlight her willingness to let imperfections tell a story. The guitars shimmer and wobble, creating a fragile beauty that suits the narrative. Meanwhile, the drums act like an anchor, keeping the song from drifting into a dreamlike haze, a detail that keeps one on edge yet oddly comforted.
It’s not just the sonic construction that makes “Two Feet Tall” interesting; it’s how Ciao’s artistry feels unapologetically raw yet fully intentional. She crafts a sound that reflects both her cultural background of being a Filipino-American and personal experience, offering a glimpse into her world while pulling you into a universal feeling of unease and hope.
