Review: Mamalarky - Hex Key

On their third album, indie outfit Mamalarky have further sought a venture of unpredictability and eclecticism through 13 excellent, sun-kissed songs.

Where other indie bands prioritise sonic consistency throughout an album, the Los Angeles-via-Atlanta quartet’s latest thrives in its variety, while maintaining a central breezy vibe throughout.

The latest by the indie psych-rock outfit – formed of Livvy Bennett, Noor Khan, Michael Hunter and Dylan Hill – was produced in the band’s L.A home studio, Bennett and keyboardist Michael Hunter compelled to further their sonic exploration after producing music for other artists.

And the results themselves are impressive. ‘Broken Bones’ is an earwormy little opener, offering a contrast in its tight rock sound, catchy “la la la la la la” chorus and insecure lyricism elsewhere (“I would never let my feelings show, let my feelings show when you come around” shyly admits Bennett). 

Mamalarky then up the funky stakes on the similarly upbeat ‘Won’t Give Up’ - a match-up between groove-filled basslines and shimmering dance synths. Following this is the airy ‘The Quiet’ which sounds an awfully lot like a retro video game.  Only three tracks down, it’s difficult not to awe at the diversity presented thus far.

The album’s highlight mid-section continues such quality. ‘Anhedonia’ carries an irresistible slacker rock vibe, ‘#1 Best of All Time’ with its dizzying backbeats and off-key vocals is a two-minute thrill, while ‘MF’ excites in its ‘70s psych-rock vibes to mix things up once again.

The cohesion lingers through to the final leg also. The woozy synths on ‘Nothing Last Forever’, glittering keys on ‘Feels So Wrong’ and Khruangbin-esque guitar work on ‘Here’s Everything’ depart the record on a scintillating and summery high note.

Hex Key is a fun and captivating return from Mamalarky. A record funky, fuzzy and consistently brilliant from start to finish.

4/5