Mallrat’s ‘Pavement’ Is the Anthem You Didn’t Know You Needed—And It’s Here Just in Time

Australian singer-songwriter and producer Mallrat shares her final single, “Pavement,” ahead of the release of her forthcoming album, Light hit my face like a straight right, out February 14 via Nettwerk.

A self-proclaimed highlight of the record, Mallrat hints, “This might be my favorite on the album?” Fans can now listen to the single and watch its stunning music video, as well as pre-order the album.

A Sonic and Emotional High Point

Co-written and produced with the acclaimed Buddy Ross (known for his work with Frank Ocean, Miley Cyrus, and Bon Iver), with additional production by longtime collaborator Styalz Fuego, “Pavement” is a dazzling showcase of Mallrat’s evolving artistry. The track’s lush electronic soundscape is imbued with a gritty undertone, blending dancefloor-ready beats with an ethereal edge.

Featuring a return of DJ Zirk’s sample from “Born 2 Lose” (previously used in her hit “Hocus Pocus”) alongside a sample from Cub Sport’s “Beg U,” the track serves as a testament to Mallrat’s innovative approach to storytelling through sound.

In her words: “I love this song because there are two very contrasting samples in it. Cub Sport are my best friends and come from my hometown, Brisbane. I’ve been obsessed with ‘Beg U’ since Tim from Cub Sport sent me the demo years ago. Sampling is my favorite part of making music. It’s about reimagining sounds and injecting vivid characters into a song—it feels deeply personal, almost like I’m creating a universe from my heart.”

A Visual Journey Through Nightfall

Directed by longtime collaborator Tom Carroll, the music video for “Pavement” carries the surreal, magical realism that has become synonymous with Mallrat’s artistry. Set against dimly lit cityscapes awash with moonlight and rain, the video unfolds in a dreamlike world where CGI animals roam alongside Mallrat. Tim Nelson of Cub Sport makes a poignant cameo, nodding to the inclusion of “Beg U” in the track.

The visuals continue the themes explored in earlier singles like “Horses,” “Ray of Light,” and “Hocus Pocus,” tying together a cohesive narrative that reflects the atmospheric, otherworldly quality of the upcoming album.

Light hit my face like a straight right: A Bold New Chapter

Mallrat’s sophomore album, Light hit my face like a straight right, dives deep into the realms of magical realism, drawing on her experiences growing up in Brisbane. Each of its twelve tracks captures the beauty and complexity of human connection, presenting moments of divine intervention through music.

“I love the idea that light can decide your fate,” Mallrat shares. “It’s about capturing moments that feel too powerful for words—like the music is alive and carries its own story.”

From heartfelt ballads to pulsating electronica, the record showcases Mallrat’s knack for balancing vulnerability with bold, danceable production. Tracks like “Defibrillator,” “The Light Streams In And Hits My Face,” and “Love Songs-Heart Strings” promise to immerse listeners in a world that’s as intimate as it is expansive.

The tracklist for Light hit my face like a straight right

1. My Darling, My Angel
2. Pavement
3. Something for Somebody
4. Virtue
5. Defibrillator
6. The Light Streams In And Hits My Face
7. Hocus Pocus
8. Hideaway
9. Love Songs-Heart Strings
10. Ray of Light
11. The Worst Thing I Would Ever Do
12. Horses

Critical Acclaim and Anticipation

Mallrat’s 2022 debut album, Butterfly Blue, garnered widespread acclaim, positioning her as a groundbreaking artist with a gift for transforming the personal into the universal. Publications like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and NME have praised her genre-defying sound and ambitious creative vision, with The Guardian declaring her “poised on the precipice of world domination.”

With Light hit my face like a straight right, Mallrat takes another leap forward, delivering a deeply immersive and innovative body of work that cements her place at the forefront of contemporary music.

Don’t miss the full release on February 14—pre-order now to experience the magic firsthand.