Mamalarky’s third album Hex Key is the result of a band who have ubiquitous determination, dedicating years of effort and mental energy to the craft. Livvy Bennett (vocals), Noor Khan (bass), Michael Hunter (keyboard), and Dylan Hill (drums), consider themselves best friends who also happen to be bandmates. Their ability to connect with one another on an artistic level greatly contributes to their success in creating an album that is cohesive and pushes boundaries. The content of Hex Key largely stems from the redirection of rage—born from discomfort and challenging emotions—into creative expression. Themes such as inauthenticity, self-doubt, romantic longing, and the disorientation of feeling out of place are explored. Through Hex Key, Mamalarky embraces the essence of human experience, transforming confusion into a raw and honest piece of art.
“Broken Bones” gives a high energy start to the album while also exposing the themes to soon be reverberated throughout the remaining tracks; “I will never let my feelings show when you come around.” The perpetually climbing melody central to the second track, “Won’t Give Up,” carves a bit of a sassy edge to the sound, while also drawing listeners in to the story unfolding in Hex Key. “The Quiet” has a teetering found-sound-style beat in the backdrop that accompanies the deep synths and delicate vocals, creating a uniquely grounding atmosphere.
Hex Key‘s title track throws you into a hypnotic guided tour, full of textured peaks and valleys. On the subject of nature, the band shared that their recording sessions were sprinkled with intense hikes near the home studio to help get the juices flowing when they were stuck and needed an outdoor-inspired refresh. This very well may be how and where their drummer Dylan Hill contracted poison ivy, a minor mishap that occurred during the Hex Key recording stages. While recording “#1 Best of All Time,” Hill took no breaks, channeling this uncomfortable pain into the drums heard on the track. The result is a song that has a frantic feeling. It’s a little more power-pop leaning, yet Bennett gracefully sings atop the crazed beat.
“Take Me” touches on romantic longing and wishing for time to hold still. The stoner rock sounds and slight lyrical threat of “MF” meets the cooler sounds on the next track, “Blow Up,” which uncovers a deeper internal conflict of being on the verge of “blowin’ up” while externally trying to keep breezy. “Blush” comes in with a slightly gaudy synthesizer but it works well with the go-with-the-flow inner peace sung throughout in the song. “Nothing Lasts Forever” continues with the synth-influence, pulsating a love song shrouded in an indie pop melody. “Feels So Wrong” was first song written by Bennett for the album, the initial touch on the themes of not being true to yourself. The album’s closing track “Here’s Everything” has an auditory effect of being in a chamber; it’s a bit echoey, with some mystery sounds contributing to the rhythm section, and lustrous vocals that eventually ease you out of Hex Key.
From the explosive energy of “Broken Bones” to the reflective calm of “Here’s Everything,” each track on Hex Key reveals the band’s deep connection to one another and their commitment to channeling the reality of everyday discomfort into their art. Their fluid blend of high-energy rhythms, introspective melodies, and the quirky spontaneity born of real-life mishaps (yes, even poison ivy can spark creativity) elevates the album beyond the (home) studio. Hex Key stands as a testament to determination, friendship, and fearless boundary-pushing. It was a challenge set forth by the band to embrace their imperfections and to find inspiration in the chaos of life. Whether you’re drawn in by the nuanced layers of sound or the confessional lyrical nature, Hex Key offers a cathartic journey. Mamalarky’s third full album Hex Key is out now on Epitaph Records. Listen below!
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