MAMAHAWK Funky Soulful New Album “A Diamond Shy” Is a Flawless Gem
Based in Austin, Texas, the guys at MAMAHAWK are known for their distinctive style of soulful pop music that draws inspiration from groove-oriented production, jazzy chord progressions, classic synth sounds, and crystalline vocal harmonies. Initially starting out as a studio duo, the band has evolved into a dynamic 4-piece group over the years.
The story of MAMAHAWK began a decade ago when Adam and James, after relocating to Austin, ambitiously recorded their debut album in a compact bedroom studio using borrowed equipment and egg crates attached to the walls for soundproofing. Despite the humble setup, their music caught the attention of local radio stations and gained significant streaming success internationally. This achievement led them to support Black Pumas on tour during the summer of 2019. Then in 2020, the band parted ways with their egg crates and upgraded to a proper home studio, thanks to the addition of bassist/engineer Mario Castellanos. The pandemic presented an opportunity for the band to delve into new musical territory and focus on creating a fresh record with a distinct sound. While retaining the songwriting sensibilities that defined their previous work, the band aimed to infuse their music with a warm and timeless quality, which was achieved through Erik Wofford's analog mastering.
MAMAHAWK's newest album, "A Diamond Shy," reflects the modern dystopia of our society in a flashy and innovative way. Following their three singles, “Walk in the Fire,” “Fighter Jet,” and “Blue Jay,” this is their first full-length release since 2019’s “Brain Invaderz!”
A Diamond Shy is comprised of 10 incredible songs. Let's see what they have in store for us today. "Walk in the Fire" is our introduction and oh boy are we starting strong. The band's signature quirky and groovy sound is on full display right from the get-go. The playful vocals perfectly represent the band's style and the lyrics pack a punch. I love the sax solo near the end, it adds the perfect ending to a near-perfect song. The tune is a flawless introduction to the rest of the album, and it's sure to get you dancing and singing along. "Betterworse" is next and we are transported to a different era with this one. This one is a real throwback to Jamiroquai’s music, with an upbeat, funk-inspired beat and catchy vocals. It's the perfect song to jam to! After all the frantic dancing we slow down a bit with "Fighter Jet" a mellow ballad with beautiful lyrics. The words evoke a certain emotion, a call to self-reflection. The soft guitar is the main star, enchanting and impossible to resist. We are in for another trip through time in "Pangaea." The soulful sound of the smooth melody and funky vocals instantly recall Michael Jackson's early days as a member of the Jackson 5. The vocals are powerful, and the instrumentation is impeccable. Overall, this is an impressive showcase of MAMAHAWK's undeniable talent and pioneering sound. "Circle Round the Sun" is short but sweet. Guitars take center stage, with a steady beat and twinkling synths. The song wraps up with a gentle fade-out, leaving you wanting more. "Wings" slow and rhythmic melodies are accompanied by quite frankly surprisingly explosive guitar riffs. The song is dynamic and captivating, with MAMAHAWK's vocals and instrumentation taking center stage. The funky fade-out at the end is just the icing on the cake.
"Blue Jay" is their previously released single, a gritty, deep-funk experience anchored by a relentless drum and bass groove, punctuated with psychedelic guitar melodies, and topped with a sugary retro synth. The band tells us about the creative process behind the song: "Blue Jay began as just Adam and James in a studio apartment jamming with a drum machine, a synth bass, and a guitar. Adam's bouncy, jazzy synth bassline felt like something from a Little Dragon song, and the minimal drum machine pattern left a ton of room for a big guitar tone and melody, so James dialed in his best Unknown Mortal Orchestra-inspired sound, and the lead riff was born. Lyrics and vocal melody came later as James was inspired to write about the romanticization of roller coaster relationships."
With a cheeky name another soulful ballad comes our way. The lyrics in "Wander Woman" are honest and heartfelt with a mellow guitar that is sure to grab you and never let you go. I don't know why this is the type of song I picture being played at a prom dance night. In "Time Traveler" synths are king. The charming soulful melodies are presented alongside distorted sounds, creating a unique experience. We have reached our final stop with "A Sleep, A Forgetting." Again I'm getting strong MJ vibes. We end our journey with a bittersweet melody.
MAMAHAWK’s A Diamond Shy is a tapestry of many emotions, sounds, and eras. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to listen to the album. Their fusion of soul, pop, and various other elements result in a sound that is both familiar and refreshing. MAMAHAWK is a band to watch as they continue to make their mark on the music scene. We will keep you posted on any future releases, that's a promise!