"They use minimal instrumentation without ever sounding minimalist, wringing more out of guitar, voice, handclaps and drums than many bands get out of a whole stage full of participants...It is about as far from slick as you can get -- an amazing record of what two people can do with love and care and a complete disregard for commercialism.” (Splendid)

The first time I saw The Malarkies was in Brooklyn, at a place called Freddy's.  They were a trio at the time, and quite frankly, I didn't think much of them...not bad, but fairly standard, as memory serves.  Several years later, I happened on them randomly at the Mercury Lounge in Manhattan, and was amazed at their transformation.  Now paired down to just Matt and Ruth - no bass player - they were suddenly full of swagger, and a sound all their own.  Matt's baritone guitar(s).  Familiarity and inventiveness side-by-side.  Two people who were clearly in this band for all the right reasons.  Above all, however, they were very, very real...human and genuine.  These songs reflect this well.  They're worth your time.

 The Malarkies, "Swinging in the Twilight" b/w "When I Paint My Masterpiece" (WMD001)

OR

Buy on iTunes ("Swinging" only)