Mallavora Return with New Single (‘Smile’)

Rising alt-metallers Mallavora have returned with a new track called ‘Smile’. It’s fiery number sees the quartet pour their rage at society’s continued mistreatment of Disabled people. It’s a topic close to the band, with vocalist Jessica Douek living with fibromyalgia. It sees Mallavora batter through with fury and metallic might, as they deliver their first release on Church Road Records.

The track also coincides with 30 years since the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act was introduced. ‘Smile’ rips into the ongoing contradiction of the law, as people with Disability continue to be tokenised and sidelined. In short, it sees Mallavora at their most confrontational. “We wanted to capture the urgency, fury, and righteous rage we feel about how society continues to treat Disabled people,” the band said.

Ever since their formation in 2020, Mallavora have been advocates for improved accessibility within the music industry, especially in the live sector. This includes committing to only headlining venues accessible enough for them and their audience. “The industry, as it currently is, isn’t sustainable for us with what we’re dealing with,” says Jessica. “There’s an existential worry that we won’t be able to have the career we want unless we forge this change ourselves.”

‘Smile’ Lyrics

I don’t want your admiration
I am not your inspiration
Centuries of degradation
I am not your inspiration

Had to fight for ‘95
They resisted subjugation
We’re still fighting for our lives
Unrestricted liberation

Please don’t feel blue
It’s my life
Let me carve you a smile
With my knife

I don’t want your admiration
I am not your inspiration
Centuries of degradation
I am not your inspiration

Token
Yet I am treated like a burden

Urgent action required
Caged
Afraid
Unpaid
Betrayed

I don’t want your admiration
I am not your inspiration
Centuries of degradation
I am not your inspiration
I don’t want your admiration
I am not your inspiration
Centuries of degradation
I am not your inspiration

Pity
It doesn’t make me feel better
Oh no

We will not be sterilised
History of violation
Medically traumatised
The disabled population
We will not be cast aside
Time to have the conversation
Access is a human right
Unrestricted liberation

Had to fight for ‘95
They resisted subjugation
We’re still fighting for our lives
Unrestricted liberation
Had to fight for ‘95
They resisted subjugation
We’re still fighting for our lives
Unrestricted liberation