REVIEW: Lake Malice - I Wanna Know If It's Real
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
LAKE MALICE are rapidly anchoring themselves as an alternative rock duo from Brighton blending various genres. Capitulating themselves through metalcore, hyper pop and electronic sounds; LAKE MALICE are proving that their artistic creativity can transcend singular labels. After releasing their EP, Post Genesis, Alice Guala and Blake Cornwall are excited to release their debut album I Wanna Know If It’s Real. Diving into themes of mental health, social media addictions and physical presentations; LAKE MALICE have created an album that is heavily relatable within today’s climate.
Opening with the single loved by many, Scatterbrain encapsulates the feeling of overwhelm faced within modern day society. Utilising the glitchy repetition “Spin, wash, repeat, mind, soul, body, neat” through the track, there is an exhausting need to keep up with appearance: in person and online. Whilst this is a heavily danceable track characteristic by its hyper pop influences, rage echoes through the lyrics and intricate guitar riffs. Nostalgic 2000s atmospheres are evident within the making of this album. Ghost In A Hell launches into explosive and rapid drums. With the rise in AI usage and social media consumption, LAKE MALICE question “What does it mean to be alive?”. Channelling the 90s anime vibes, Alice Guala showcases her vocal range through soft, glistening vocals and piercing screams.
A stand out feature within this album lies with the saxophone in rly ok. The hyper pop track takes a Y2K approach that compels the body to move. The lyrics carefully balance the stress of moving through life whilst enjoying yourself. The bridge features a spoken Italian dialogue, something that feels deeply comforting and personal. Nostalgia is heavily played on through the track 90's btch. With a steady drum beat and clashing cymbals, it is evident that inspiration is taken from classic girl groups with less electronic tracks. Nobody Wants To Be You tears into the world of nepo babies and industry posers who had opportunities handed on a silver platter. Opening with an electronic bassy beat, LAKE MALICE had ensured that listeners are dancing by the end of the pop-metal track.
Anger is evident within M.C.E (Main Character Energy) as the track is laced with the statement “shut the fuck up”. Whilst this title sounds positive, LAKE MALICE had spoken with Out of Rage and stated that M.C.E spotlights how fake people can present themselves. These people genuinely believe they are going in with the best intentions yet their actions feel rehearsed. Closing with a breakdown and a deep breath is a statement as every listener relates and identifies an individual to these actions. There’s a breaking point when your friendship feels one sided and you receive nothing in return. In Chrome Red, repeated refrain “just a beggar” demonstrates the copious amounts of energy is poured maintaining the relationship and the simmering of built resentment. The bridge severs the bond between the one sided friendship and highlights the benefits of pouring into a new landscape. Characterised by intense hooks and animated breakdowns, LAKE MALICE are proving themselves to be relatable.
Real Life opens with the repetitive lines “listen, shut up and listen” and progresses into glitchy vocals that focus on the title of the track. The imagery of an apple pie to signify the perception of a good life is repeated throughout. The howlingly deep vocals used in the pre-chorus alerts listeners to the key messages embedded within the album. There are two transitional tracks featured within the album: EtheReal and Crystallised. EtheReal opens with harmonic vocals that help listeners path their way through LAKE MALICE’s sound. The shimmering and glitching effects featured with Crystallised reinforces the band’s diverse musical abilities. The glistening vocals belong within a sci-fi anime and guides the transition into M.C.E.
Whilst these weren’t included in creative vision from the beginning, LAKE MALICE have mentioned that these tracks grew along with the rest of the album. 3D Robocop leans heavily into the vocal autotunes features within hyper pop tracks. Yet this track is complimented with heavy drums and breakdowns featured within metal tracks. Icarus closes the album with a layered electronically pop track featuring glistening backings. The calming close is a great way to close an album filled with intense creativity and rage.
LAKE MALICE ensured that a studio album would express their full creativity and passion for their art. I Wanna Know If It's Real contains the ability to captivate broad audiences while introducing them to new sounds. Weaving between genres and merging these tracks on a concise debut album is made to look effortless. Guala and Cornwall’s passion is evident; there is no stopping LAKE MALICE any time soon.
Score: 8/10
I Wanna Know If It's Real will be released on 11th September 2026 via Blood Blast Distribution.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: Derek Bremner
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