Little Victory
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The Tennessee artist Davis Mallory returns with a sophomore album, and it welcomes many guest appearances as the 12 tracks cover a lot of ground in the area of modern pop and largely surrounds themes of relationships.
“Atlanta” starts the album with breathy vocals and warm keys as buzzing synth enters the electro-pop that’s still got a hint of Nashville in it, and “Ain’t Afraid” follows and features Luma, whose pretty pipes add much to the flowing and energetic climate that sure seems like it would fit on the FM dial.
Elsewhere, “Shirtless” is a beat friendly dance rocker that could soundtrack a night at the club, while “Heavy” recruits Blake Leider and Daisha McBride for the thumping and soulful pop-rocker that’s a bit more firm in very stylish ways. “Sink Or Swim”, the album’s best, then gets dreamy, where processed vocals and elegant piano benefit the adventurous landscape.
Close to the end, “Forget You” showcases Mallory’s strong, expressive pipes that builds into a lively version of EDM, and “Faith” exits the listen with Madeline Finn’s fluid voice complementing Mallory’s vivid storytelling in the well thought out finish.
Mallory has a history with reality TV, as does some of his guests, and the many appearances from others helps bring diversity into a very sleek and shiny listen that certainly could make Mallory a household name.
Travels well with: Kasper Bjorke- Sprinkles; Bonander- Things We Don’t Talk About