Out on December 6th via the non-binary-owned Audio Antihero Records, Ciao Malz is set to waves with Safe Then Sorry. The four-track project pulses with authenticity and a fearless approach to genre-bending sounds.
Opening with an indie rock explosion of frustration and urgency, “Two Feet Tall” captures the feeling of restlessness in a world that’s always moving faster than you can catch up. Through its pounding drums, jittery guitar riffs, and with Ciao’s vocals oscillating between defiance and vulnerability there is an intense atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh.
“Bad for the Bad Guy” then takes a detour into alt-country territory, complete with a nod to Frankenstein. Exploring playful yet shadowy themes, the song presents characters that don’t fit neatly into moral categories. The twangy guitar work and off-kilter rhythms give the song an unexpected twist that keeps one on edge.
Shifting gears into folk-pop, “Take Me Out of Here” is a lush and dreamy soundscape with a melody that floats effortlessly but lingers with a sense of yearning. Through Ciao’s warm guitar tones over gentle percussion she creates a space that feels both expansive and intimate in an otherwise serene vibe.
Safe Then Sorry concludes with “Gold Rush”. It’s a song that shimmers with nostalgia while carrying a weight of longing. The production glows with subtle radiance, and Ciao’s voice delivers a striking sincerity. The arrangement masterfully balances delicacy with strength, showcasing her ability to tell stories through nuanced sound.
What makes Safe Then Sorry special is its genuine sense of being unrestrained, a quality Ciao embraces wholeheartedly. She says of the recording process,
“We did everything on the fly to capture as much raw emotion as could fit in the four walls of the basement studio.”
This spontaneity gives Safe Then Sorry a pulse, as if you’re hearing the songs unfold in real time. Ciao has crafted a sound that defies easy categorisation but is instantly captivating. Safe Then Sorry plays like a sonic journey through unexpected turns and vivid emotional landscapes, tied together by her clear artistic vision.
