Hailing from Mississauga, Canada, Manny on a Mission is the musical project of Kyle Mallouk. Commencing his musical journey in 2005 while still in high school, he has written, recorded, and produced ten full-length albums by his means.
Touring the GTA as Manny on a Mission over the years, he has been able to leave his audience with a sense of completion as they digest his intricate creations in a way that personally resonates with them.
Picking up where his 2019 album 'Molly' left off, his 13-track album entitled 'Schizophrenia' explores the concept of navigating life after losing someone while also developing schizophrenic behavior.
Indulging us in a Rock meets light Pop tendencies; there's much to be explored throughout the angst that is delivered to us on "Schizophrenia."
Records like "F*CK my sh*t up" have us immediately shifting our attention to the basis of this project in all of its transparency. Opening with the lyrical motif 'What's the cost of feeling fine?' the vivid imagery that begins to surround your mind in all of life's motions comes swarming in. There's a blatant and unapologetic edge that reoccurs as we grasp all of the hard-hitting truths that are meant to be divulged to us.
"High Off You" and "Purgatory" take a darker approach as the slower tempos transition into an upbeat cry for help. Sharing this in common, the intentional shakiness heard in Manny on a Mission's vocal delivery adds a sense of vulnerability that pours out through this relatable message.
"Coffin" has us feasting on the ominous hues that surround the grieving process and the reality of all that comes when death is experienced. We have a mass appreciation for the vocal effects that add a dimension of texture to the words being performed. Breaking out into a triumphant offering of what thoughts reside in Manny on a Mission's mind, we admire the brilliant execution of minimalistic drum patterns to back the colossal breakthrough that occurs.
Luscious guitar riffs have us drowning in the anticipation that occurs as we begin to digest the intricacy of this project. A prime example is the sharpening roars heard in "Absurd love" and the chaos surrounding it. The amplified effects that have us sifting through layers of distorted thoughts come across in such a clean-cut fashion as we begin to witness the emotion that Manny on a Mission conveys in this masterpiece.
Records such as the title track "Schizophrenia" and "Manic depressive" carry us towards a no longer vacant place in our minds that is filled with beating the stigma around mental health. Listening to words that are so honest and authentic to Manny on a Mission, we quickly become aware of just how deep the passion-fueled croons are that come waltzing into our lives.
Manny on a Mission ensures that although the subject matter he touches on is reflective and thought-provoking, he doesn't lack in his humorous department. With the screams that hurdle through your speakers in the less than 30-second track, "2020," we couldn't possibly think of a better way to sum that year up. Taking to "Smoke Break," the purely instrumental interpretation of the various instruments we hear throughout this 13-track album, we see how the mind of Manny on a Mission functions in such an eclectic manner.
Heartfelt guitar strums speak into our souls as we prepare to take in the perspectives shared on "Kaleidoscope." In a jaunty representation of what infidelity does to a person, lyrical motifs such as 'The image moves like a kaleidoscope. They're taking turns watching you break my heart,' sit in a vivid pool of imagery that washes over us.
The acoustic elements in "Better Now" and "Drying out" are fully showcased as we absorb the raw musicality that is carefully crafted riffs and emotional timbres in all of their glory. With words that leave you feeling the impact and intimacy, Manny on a Mission intends to shower you with beauty amongst every unique fold in this collection of songs.
As we reach the final record, "Live without me," there's a heavy sense of clarity that adjusts its focus as each instrumentation is introduced in a perfectly timed manner. Knowing that this is the point of completion as we sit back and digest "Schizophrenia," we find that the themes readdressed in this record take us to the moment of closure that we needed through these weighty topics.
If you're looking to venture into the mind of Kyle Mallouk genuinely, we highly suggest embracing Manny on a Mission in all of his glory. Be sure to stream "Schizophrenia" on your favorite streaming platform today.
With such a bold take on these subjects, how did you decide that you would lay it all out to dry for your audience? Was there a specific moment that solidified your decision to do so?
Thank you. Even when I was recording my last album, "Molly," I knew I wanted to continue the story when it was finished. I have also become very interested in exploring different mental illnesses with my music. So It seemed natural to try to do both of those things. I really liked the idea of an album where someone is mourning the loss of someone but has unresolved issues with that person and how that could affect you mentally—fighting with a ghost.
How long did it take you to create this project from the ground up? Was there anyone assisting with your vision to help you take it to the next level?
I started working on it slowly around the end of April this year, but then in May, I became unlucky and caught COVID. I became very sick and was not able to work on the album at all. When I started to feel better, it took me a while to get back to the project. I kept remembering how sick I was the last time I worked on music, and it was almost traumatic for me to go back to work on it. But I would say around July. I finally overcame that, and then it was full steam ahead. In total, I guess it took me about four months from the ground up. But Manny on a Mission has always been a solo thing. I write and record everything on my own. Sort of my baby, I guess.
Compared to 'Molly,' what has been the most significant similarity and difference in the content we'll hear? What about in the creative process embarked on?
Well, there's a lot of similarities in the lyrics because, for the most part, I'm writing about the same person. I wrote the album pretty much the same way as well. I would say I tried to be more ambitious with the music, though. I experimented with new sounds, new styles I hadn't done before, and I think I pushed my vocals this time to be the best sounding they could. I guess with "Molly," I spent more time on what I was saying than on this album, where I spent more time on how it would sound.
What are you hoping is the main message that your audience can reflect on when listening to 'Schizophrenia?' What was the main lesson you took away from this release?
With my last album by the previous song, you feel like you have hit rock bottom. It is a very downbeat ending. With this album, I wanted to start at the bottom and gradually show this character navigate and stay afloat and even pull himself out of this whole he is in. It's obviously a slow process, and the character is nowhere near living his best life by the end, but he can see the light up ahead. I mean, I wasn't trying to teach a lesson with this album at all, but I think with all the negative stories I told, there is hope present as well.
Out of all 13 songs presented on the album, do you have one that resonates with you more than the rest? Why?
I mean, I think all of them should resonate with me. I'm telling a very personal story, apart from "2020," which is a joke song I did for fun. But I don't know. I guess "Purgatory" is the most significant departure from my past music. It's a heavy song. I think it's compelling. It almost cuts right through you. I don't know if I would say it's my favorite. But if one song stands out, I would say that would be the one.