Oliver Malcolm's  "Helen"  Is Cathartic, Contained Chaos

image

Photo:  Riccardo Castano

With each new release, Oliver Malcolm carves out an enthralling niche in a post-genre world. The Swedish-born, London-raised artist has only two singles to date, including his just-released single, "Helen," but in that span, he has already laid the blueprint for his frenetic, unpredictable, and intoxicating signature style.

"Helen" follows closely on the heels of Malcolm's masterful debut, "Switched Up," which we praised as nothing short of a grand entrance. In his sophomore outing, the grit and salvation of London city streets come to life. Opening on what can only be described as a mixture of cathartic expulsion and scat singing, Malcolm sets the stage for "Helen" to enter as a moment of contained chaos that is just ready to burst at the seams.

The frenetic fervor of the entire affair carriers through in Malcolm's animalistic production, which gives way to booming lows, distorted staccato beats, and occasional glimpses at the heavenly breaks that exist beyond the ensuing madness. It is a sonic collage of pieced-together elements that takes on an air all its own. The one anchoring point is Malcolm's sole reoccurring plea. "Rescue me before I go to sleep."

Malcolm spoke further on "Helen," sharing,

"Last year I moved back to England. The song feels gritty and raw because that's how I felt being back home in that environment. This guy owned a small complex behind an automobile warehouse and agreed to let me make as much noise as I want if I paid him 500 quid. I'd ride my bike back & forth every day with all my equipment in my backpack. This is the first song I made there."

In two-singles-time, Malcolm has proven himself to be a different breed of artist. One whose vision seems limitless, ominous, addicting right from the outset.

Listen to "Helen" below:

Related Articles

Leaning Into the Mess: First Reserve’s Sound is Forever Evolving

Leaning Into the Mess: First Reserve’s Sound is Forever Evolving

September 14, 2026 Ryan shares that their music is a ‘bit of a mess’ genre-wise, but that’s exactly the way they like it
Author: Caitlyn Sinclair
Priya Ragu’s Joyful, Vivid, and Freeing Era Is Here

Priya Ragu’s Joyful, Vivid, and Freeing Era Is Here

September 10, 2026 Priya Ragu’s upcoming album, "Madras" is expected later this year, and after having the chance to listen to the first release of the project, we can hear Priya paying tribute to her past, present, and future, in a way that’s uniquely, totally, hers.
Author: Matt Keenan
pop
R&B
Hannah Cole Learned How To Live Outside of Reality, and Then Wrote Her Way Back Anyway [Q+A]

Hannah Cole Learned How To Live Outside of Reality, and Then Wrote Her Way Back Anyway [Q+A]

September 4, 2026 We had the chance to chat with Hannah about “Nashvegas,” falling back in love with music, and how to be ambitious without losing yourself in the process.
Author: Matt Keenan
pop