Mamalarky
Hex Key
Epitaph Records [2025]
“A tighter, more focused Mamalarky emerges—with quirks intact and clarity turned up.”
Album Overview: Born from a long-standing friendship, Mamalarky is a band whose creative chemistry has been years in the making. The members first played together in Austin before relocating to Los Angeles, and that shared history forms the bedrock of their collaborative spirit. Over time, they’ve leaned deeper into their DIY ethos, taking on more of the production work themselves and evolving into a self-contained creative unit. Hex Key, their third LP, captures a moment of artistic clarity and personal growth. Unlike the breezy experimentation of Pocket Fantasy, this album feels more deliberate. Each track was crafted with care, reflecting emotional unrest filtered through resilience and intention. It’s their most polished release yet—refined, focused, and confident without losing the band’s signature sense of curiosity.
Musical Style: The sound of Hex Key dances between offbeat pop, complex rhythms, and left-of-center indie rock. At times, the arrangements feel like they’re spinning in different directions—but there’s always an internal logic holding it together. Agile guitar lines wind around layered synths, while the drumming is inventive and often surprising. The music balances playful moments with pointed, intentional choices, creating songs that stay engaging without ever feeling too safe or predictable.
Evolution of Sound: Earlier Mamalarky albums leaned into looseness and exploration, but Hex Key tightens the reins. The band took a more hands-on, internal approach to producing this record, refining songs through repetition and deep focus. Having worked on other artists’ music, they brought those lessons back to their own process. The result is their most fully realized work to date—less open-ended, more contained, but still brimming with quirks and unexpected textures. There’s a newfound sense of direction that doesn’t sacrifice their experimental edge but does polish the final product.
Artists with Similar Fire: If you’re into Palm, Dirty Projectors, or Crumb, there’s a good chance Hex Key will spark your interest. There’s also a shared emotional vocal texture with artists like Mitski and moments reminiscent of early Deerhoof or late-era Of Montreal, especially in the way songs twist and pivot based on mood. Still, Mamalarky stands out—their voice feels unmistakably their own, even when playing in familiar territory.
Pivotal Tracks: “Feels So Wrong” arrives late in the album but leaves a strong impression. It wraps self-doubt in soft harmonies and airy textures, capturing both the uncertainty and quiet perseverance that runs through the record. “#1 Best of All Time” leans into tight, pulsing rhythms that mirror the song’s emotional urgency—pushing through doubt with measured force. “Broken Bones,” a standout with Mitski-like depth, pairs dynamic rock instrumentation with sudden clarity, showing just how well Mamalarky can weave contrast and control into a single track.
Lyrical Strength: Lyrically, Hex Key explores themes of identity, doubt, and emotional tension without rushing to resolve them. Many lines hold two opposing thoughts at once, creating space for internal conflict without needing tidy answers. The writing is thoughtful but never heavy-handed—there’s a quiet confidence in the restraint. Rather than spelling everything out, the lyrics invite you to sit with discomfort and uncertainty, giving the emotional content room to breathe.
Final Groove: Hex Key is Mamalarky’s most polished album to date. It trades some of their earlier playfulness for precision, offering a tighter sound that still allows for surprise. While a few tracks blur together on first listen, the album rewards repeated spins with layered instrumentation and lyrical nuance. It’s not a perfect leap forward, but it’s a meaningful one—proof that Mamalarky is growing into their own vision. If this record is any sign, they’re just beginning to tap into their full potential.
MAMALARKY LINKS
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Epitaph Records
- Mamalarky: Hex Key [Album Review] - April 11, 2025
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