Manchester alt-rock quartet MALCOM have unveiled their highly anticipated debut EP, Step Out Of The Light, a bold and confident introduction that showcases the band’s vibrant fusion of rock, early-2000s indie, and ’90s alternative influences. Released on June 12, the four-track collection marks a significant statement of intent from one of the North West’s most promising emerging acts.
Produced by David Radahd-Jones, whose credits include The Sherlocks, Boston Manor and The Small Fortunes, Step Out Of The Light captures MALCOM’s dynamic range with impressive maturity. Driving guitar-led soundscapes sit comfortably alongside bursts of harmonica and moments of vulnerability, highlighting both the band’s energy and depth as songwriters.
From the punchy wall-of-sound intensity of opener ‘Hard Working Blues’ to the stripped-back intimacy of ‘Silver Tongue’, the EP demonstrates a versatility that belies the band’s relatively recent arrival on the scene. At its core is the standout single ‘Running’, a powerful showcase of MALCOM’s ability to balance raw grit with undeniable melody.
Built around distorted guitar tones, thunderous percussion and soaring hooks, ‘Running’ shifts seamlessly from dark, brooding verses into a huge, anthemic chorus. The track perfectly captures the electricity of the band’s live performances while delivering a polished, radio-ready edge.
Speaking about the release, the band said:
“The EP was recorded in about two weeks in an underground studio in the centre of Manchester, where we could really escape from reality and focus on writing and recording our songs. This EP, as the title ‘Step Out Of The Light’ suggests, is about finding our own sound and coming forward with something that is truly us — not just following the trends. With nods to bands we love littered throughout, like The Black Keys, Dr Feelgood and The Killers, we feel it stays original through elements like the raucous harmonica and unique guitar tones cutting through.”
Fronted by Belfast-born vocalist Caz Donaghy, alongside twin brothers Evan and Max Morgan on guitars and Alfie Summersgill on drums, MALCOM have steadily built momentum since emerging on the Manchester scene. The band’s chemistry runs deeper than most, with the Morgan twins bringing a unique instinctive connection that informs both their songwriting and live performances. Their shared musical language creates a sound that feels tightly unified yet emotionally charged.
That growing reputation has not gone unnoticed. Early support from BBC Introducing led to a live session following the success of the band’s debut singles, while a string of high-profile live appearances has further cemented their status as rising contenders. Recent performances at The Great Escape in Brighton and Manchester’s SXSW Roadshow have seen the quartet win over new audiences, while support slots alongside Inspiral Carpets, The K’s and The Molotovs on sold-out UK dates have provided invaluable exposure.
Further endorsements across tastemaker press have helped establish MALCOM as one of the most exciting new names emerging from the UK’s thriving alternative rock scene.
Confident, authentic and packed with memorable hooks, ‘Step Out Of The Light’ is the sound of a band discovering exactly who they are and making sure everyone else takes notice.
