Album Review: Mamalarky - 'Pocket Fantasy'
As the winter gets ever closer it is time to escape the cold and dive into the endless summer of Mamalarky’s second album “Pocket Fantasy”.
The progressive pop foursome treats us to their signature indie sound with a cosmic twist. Michael Hunter’s keyboard, Noor Khan’s bass and the drums of Dylan Hill intertwine perfectly with the guitar and lyrical prowess of lead singer, Livvy Bennett. The artists push the boundaries of contemporary convention by utilizing synthesised beats and soundscapes to add an interdimensional element to their music. The high, whimsical lyrical delivery draws us into their creation while the music guides us on a journey through the record. After spending the best part of a year together, both physically and online, they have forged a world of their own. A “Pocket Fantasy”. A place that we, the listener, are invited to take part in.
The album begins with Frog 2. The track is a fantastic introduction to the idiosyncratic style that endears Mamalarky to their fans. They are fearless instrumentalists who use a plethora of sounds and off-key beats to delightful effect. With the lyrics “technology and nature died, there is no reason we should hide” the band highlight one of the main themes of the album. The band pits the technological revolution and our ever-growing online presence against the natural world, creative process, and relationships. Little Robot, the third track of the album follows a similar vein of thought. It's an introspective and self- deprecating critique on the struggles of modern life. As people become more inclined to market themselves, especially those in creative industries, they are forced to become commodities. Bennet’s musings propose that they are both artists and products but the line between the two must be tread carefully.
Mamalarky explores the duality of experience throughout “Pocket Fantasy” without taking themselves too seriously. They approach songs using lyrical wit, wavey grooves and imaginative rhythms that captivate the listener throughout. The album doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of life. They dance with it by fusing pop beats, keyboard solos and guitar riffs with deeply personal lyrics. There are indie hits like Mythical Bonds and You Know I Know mixed with slower songs such as Dance together, and It Hurts. What they all have in common is their depth of content and their ability to transport the listener into a world of their own. A world within a world. While peering into Mamalarky’s “Pocket Fantasy” you get lost in your own thoughts. You create your own pictures and merge the lyrics to match your own experiences. The album feels familiar after a few listens but there is always something that happens that surprises you, some noise, instrument or a particular line, that takes you somewhere different than last time.
“Pocket Fantasy” is an end of summer release but it’s going to make the season last longer. It’s airy and playful like watching the last glimmers of sunset on the horizon. That golden hew that promises so much before the sun eventually disappears. It’s like swimming in that moment. The joy of a day well spent and the promise of endless possibilities that lie before you when you wake up the next morning. An ode to creativity, to self-expression and joy. The final song Now grounds the album in the present. While all the previous tracks feel like floating memories, Now brings us back to earth. It encourages the listener to keep going with their lives with the understanding that even things that are not perfect are beautiful and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Mamalarky create a near psychedelic sound that flows throughout the album. We can all escape, at any moment, into a pocket fantasy of our own. When we’re daydreaming at our desk, absentmindedly humming a beat on the bus, or getting lost listening to this album.
Words by Joe Higginbottom
