Mamalarky

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Mamalarky
Mamalarky in 2022.
Mamalarky in 2022 (from left to right: Noor Khan, Livvy Bennett, Dylan Hill, and Michael Hunter)
Background information
OriginAustin, Texas, U.S.
GenresIndie rock, psych rock, lo-fi, jazz rock
Years active2016 (2016)–present
LabelsFire Talk
Members
  • Livvy Bennett
  • Michael Hunter
  • Dylan Hill
  • Noor Khan
Websitewww.mamalarky.com

Mamalarky is an American indie rock band formed in 2016 in Austin, Texas.[1] The group was briefly based in Los Angeles, California before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia.[1]

History[edit]

Singer and guitarist Livvy Bennett and drummer Dylan Hill first became acquainted in middle school and later met keyboardist Michael Hunter in high school.[2] After high school, the members began playing together and adopted the name Mamalarky by 2016.[1] The band was initially active in their hometown of Austin before relocating to Los Angeles. Bennett played bass on tour with Cherry Glazerr and Hunter played with White Denim during this time.[3]

Mamalarky released their debut EP, Fundamental Thrive Hive, in May 2018. Bassist Noor Khan joined the band late that year in response to a call for musicians put out by Bennett on Tinder.[3]

In December 2019, the band signed to Brooklyn based record label Fire Talk. The following month, they released "Fury", the first single off their debut album.[4] This was followed by "How To Say" in May 2020 and lead single "Schism Trek" that September.[5][6] Bennett, Hunter, and Khan relocated to Atlanta late that year.[3] The band released the final singles from their full length debut, “You Make Me Smile” and "Drug Store Model", in October and November 2020 respectively.[7][8]

Mamalarky’s self-titled debut album, a culmination of two years of effort, was released on November 20, 2020. Pitchfork contributor Jesse Locke praised the band’s “complex instrumental interplay”, awarding the album a rating of 7.1 out of 10.[2] Ben Salmon of Paste magazine gave the album a rating of 7.5, describing the album's sound as "fussed over" and "distant" but ultimately commending the group's fluency in multiple genres.[9]

The band’s second album, Pocket Fantasy, was released in September 2022 on Fire Talk Records.[10] Writing for Pitchfork, critic Will Gottsegen rated the album 7.3 out of 10, praising the balance the band struck between technical proficiency and “playfulness”.[11]

Members[edit]

  • Livvy Bennett – vocals, guitar (2016–present)
  • Dylan Hill – drums (2016–present)
  • Michael Hunter – keyboard (2016–present)
  • Noor Khan – bass (2018–present)

Discography[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

Title Album details
Mamalarky
  • Released: November 20, 2020
  • Label: Fire Talk Records
  • Formats: LP, digital download
Pocket Fantasy
  • Released: September 30, 2022
  • Label: Fire Talk Records
  • Formats: LP, digital download

EPs[edit]

  • Fundamental Thrive Hive (2018)

Singles[edit]

  • "Loose Leaf" (2017)
  • "Nonmonogamy" (2017)
  • "Mama's Bear" (2018)
  • "Hero" (2019)
  • "Fury" (2020)
  • "How to Say" (2020)
  • "Schism Trek" (2020)
  • "You Make Me Smile" (2020)
  • "Drug Store Model" (2020)
  • "Meadow" (2021)
  • "Moss" (2021)
  • "You Know I Know" (2022)
  • "Mythical Bonds" (2022)
  • "It Hurts" (2022)
  • "Shining Armor" (2022)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c ""Will It Blend?": Inside Mamalarky's Two-Year Quest to Craft the Perfect Overdubs". Atwood Magazine. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  2. ^ a b "Mamalarky: Mamalarky". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  3. ^ a b c "Tinder, Texas and Touring: The Trifecta of Mamalarky". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  4. ^ Keogan, Natalia. "Mamalarky Combine Frustration and Playfulness on New Single "Fury," Accompanying Music Video". Paste. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  5. ^ Manno, Lizzie. "Mamalarky Share Graceful New Single "How To Say"". Paste. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  6. ^ Rosenthal, Paris. "Mamalarky Announce Debut Self Titled Album, Share Lead Single". Paste. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  7. ^ "MAMALARKY RELEASE NEW TRACK 'DRUG STORE MODEL'". DIY. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  8. ^ "Mamalarky Share "You Make Me Smile" Track & Video From Debut Self Titled Album". Front View Magazine.
  9. ^ Salmon, Ben. "Mamalarky Showcase Their Skills, Instincts and Array of Influences on Self-Titled Debut". Paste. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  10. ^ "Mamalarky: Pocket Fantasy". HUMP DAY NEWS. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  11. ^ Gottsegen, Will. "Mamalarky - Pocket Fantasy". Pitchfork. Condé Nast. Retrieved 16 October 2022.