Under the track, Brooklyn-based Ciao Malz leaves a small blurb ending with, “…sometimes it’s just fun to channel Elliott Smith for a while.” Such a poignant statement that rings true for any Eliott Smith fan. He is just one of those artists that feels so inviting to learn, even when working through his often intricate compositions. Despite the incredibly weighty subjects of his songs, there is such a unique sense of joy and reward when playing his tunes. It’s almost like learning another language, feeling strangely connected with the world at large, but still a little lonely.
Malz’s rendition feels incredibly faithful to Smith’s repertoire as a whole. Taking a song from his self-titled album and making it feel a little more Either/Or, and XO. Swapping the dusty and baritone feel of the original guitar to an acoustic that is much lighter and tuneful, it allows Malz to highlight the reserved melodic power of the track. Something that Smith himself would evolve to incorporate into his albums. Her impressive vocals parallel the change in guitars. Keeping an authentic Eliott Smith performance, with doubles to boot, but dives into her higher register, really emphasizing the harmonies in the chorus that come across jas ust lovely. Feeling buoyant in contrast to its drab originator, like the fruit that shares its name, Clementine is small in form but full of sweetness.
If you’re craving more of her captivating performances, then we have good news. She’s been making the rounds doing some radio sessions with the most recent being the NPR-affiliate WFUV in the Bronx. Malz performs songs off her December 2024 EP ‘Safe Then Sorry’, alongside a neat little interview.
Written by Lando Flakes
