Spectreview: Mamalarky – Mamalarky

Released: November 20, 2020

Indie Rock
(Psych Pop)
(Prog)

-YELLOW-

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Los Angeles indie foursome Mamalarky burst right out of the gate with a confident self-titled debut that crosses psychedelic textures with prog and jazz. Common knowledge states you get as long as you need for a debut, and Mamalarky sounds like it took a long time to make, a feat that certainly pays off not only in the thoughtfulness of its construction but in the deftness of its execution. When the record pops off, on opening firebrand “Fury” and the squiggly, Nirvanaesque “Big Trouble,” the band forges a romp in the same vein as legacy indie bounders like New Pornographers or Deerhoof. But they’re arguably stronger as crafters of pop, like on the steady stroll of “You Make Me Smile” and the lush “Hero,” both songs that showcase Livvy Bennett’s vocal versatility in different ways.

There’s a lot to love here, and it’s packaged in a way that flows well and heightens the power of its technicolor songs. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, Mamalarky has all the ingredients of a strong start that will hopefully yields records of equivalent potency down the line.

Recommended for rounds of Mario Kart.