The Malcognitas emit an eerie presence during live performances. Yet, when lead singer Ara Laylo steps off stage she doesn’t go home to write in her diary and slit her wrists. In fact, the only thing she cuts is a pizza before getting into some serious Nintendo action.

If you’re one for the nightlife in Chinatown, Honolulu, chances are that you've seen the Malcognitas play. These scene vets have been collectively making heads nod and hips shake with their sly dance rock grooves for three years. The band features an even chick/dude ratio, guitarist Yvonne Harada, bassist Lorenzo Trinidad, drummer Jack Tawil and singer/karaoke organizer Ara Laylo.

Malcognitas, (which means “Bad Thoughts”) was spawned in early 2005 by rhythm section Trinidad and Tawil. They aimed to make an 80’s influenced group along the lines of The Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division and Blondie. It was an en vogue sound at the time, but one that was lacking in the local rock scene. Currently they’re playing shows and working on a much anticipated, full-length album due out this fall.

Malcognitas’ fans are looking forward to hearing Laylo’s banshee-like wail and soft fluttery croon on their upcoming album. Her voice defined the Malcognitas’ sound and despite their indie rock reputation, there are a lot of gospel and R&B influences in the singer’s melodies (imagine Ian Curtis rocking out to Luther Vandross).

”I grew up listening to Boyz II Men, Sade and singing in church– that’s how I sing,” admits Laylo.

The indie band’s first EP, Love is Fair, was a collaborative effort, but mainly the brainchild of Trinidad who had a very clear vision of what he originally intended for the group.

“In the beginning of course it was Lorenzo’s ideas, but now we just jam. There is no one dominating force. We all contribute,” says Laylo. “Lorenzo did his thing. Yvonne is a cello player before she is a guitar player. She's very organic. She doesn't think so much about riffs. It's more just sounds.”

Recently the group has been putting a lot of effort into their next recording by taking their time with their sounds, riffs and writing.. The yet untitled album will feature an array of topics including relationships, betrayal, the war in Iraq and will also feature upbeat anthems as well as drawn out ballads. Sound too heavy? Again, don’t be fooled by the seemingly intense topics.

“I suck at writing lyrics,” says Ara. ”The music is therapeutic. It is therapy for me, but just not as literal. I kind of give way to melody. I don't try to fit words into melodies so much. So the melodies can mean different things at different times.”

The Malcognitas are putting their soon-to-be-released melodies and lyrics to work at Lowbrow Studios in Kailua. The forthcoming album highlights the Malcognitas’ growth as a band and Ara is excited about their improvement.

"The new songs are good,” states Laylo. “We are getting better and the recording is better."

All and all, Ara’s positive nature greatly contradicts the stage presence of The Malcognitas, which just goes to show that it’s hard to be bummed with a promising upcoming project, hot pizza and a mean game of Guitar Hero.


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マルコグニタスは処女アルバムの製作中。発売は2008年秋。リードシンガーのアラ・レイローによるとインディロックといっても日記や安楽死ばかりではなく、ときにはピザやNINTENDOの話が含まれることもよくあるという。