“Overdrive” by Malavika will blow you away. It’s very rarely that you hear an R&B track this exceptionally performed. Her voice carries through the most acrobatic runs and fierce whistle notes as the well-crafted melody vivifies the track. If you can imagine a cross between Beyoncé and Ariana Grande— that’s what Malavika brings to the table. With an amalgamation of style, power, and musicianship, she delivers a piece of music unlike any you’ve heard before.
“You’ve got that look in your eye / Look in your eye / Baby is there some confusion? / Some kinda delusion?” Malavika croons with a sultry chest voice. Some meticulously edited vocal samples and a simple electronic drum groove form the foundation of the track. As it progresses, we’re gifted all kinds of melodies— swift melismas, quick-fire, syllabic scales, long, soulful arcs—all of these ebb and flow to form a dynamic and satisfying shape. The chorus appears with a splash of percussion and synth, finally relieving the desire for a solid chord structure. Keeping the instrumentation harmonically ambiguous thus far was a clever trick, as the moment chords finally arrive, you feel all of the emotional gravity at once. There are many ways to design a climactic chorus, and this one is both unique and effective.
Stay tuned for a broken-down bridge and a few impossibly high-pitched vocal moments. Plus, the ending makes you wish there was even more track. Be sure to give Malavika a listen! You’ll be delighted by the talent and creativity she displays in “Overdrive”.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
