Malleus Trio

**Malleus Trio** is a Toronto-based instrumental trio known for their genre-blurring sound that weaves jazz, indie rock, and classical influences into cinematic, emotionally charged compositions. Formed in 2013, the group features vibraphonist Michael Davidson, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ethan Ardelli, crafting intricate soundscapes that swing between dark, brooding textures and playful rhythmic shifts. Their self-titled debut album (2015) and follow-up releases like *Play Nice* and *On/Off* showcase their knack for balancing improvisation with tightly arranged melodies, earning them spots at festivals like NXNE and the Halifax Jazz Festival.

With a vibe that feels equally at home in a jazz club or a post-rock dive bar, Malleus Trio’s music leans into storytelling without words—think haunting vibraphone lines, punchy bass grooves, and drums that shape-shift from subtle to explosive. Fun fact: Their name nods to the “malleus” (a bone in the inner ear), a cheeky metaphor for their focus on intricate, carefully crafted sound. Whether you’re zoning out or leaning in, their tracks reward listeners with layers of detail and raw, unfiltered energy.