Mammoth Life - Baycation

Mammoth Life

Baycation ​
Satisfying Records/Wiener Records; 2015

4.3 out of 4 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

A little over two years ago I reviewed the self-titled album Mammoth Life by Mammoth Life. My initial thoughts when listening to their recent EP Baycation were in the same ballpark as when I listened their self-titled album. I initially thought that the exceptional lead singer Kix Mead sounded somewhere between Trish Keenan from Broadcast and Victoria Legrand from Beach House. I will also add to that you can also hear a bit of Debbie Harry in there as well. The music unlike most of the songs from Beach House or Broadcast pop with the same bright optimistic energy that I heard on their self-titled album.

The five songs on Baycation boil down to unpretentious indie rock/pop vibe that could make for a perfect summertime fling. It won’t take you long once you hit play to realize why. The bubbly pop melds into indie rock aesthetics, which isn't too far off from the Dum Dum Girls is bursting from the seams on the opening track “Saturday in the City.” The lyrics themselves paint a picture of summertime, warmth and feeling free. 

The music on “Saturday in the City” contains creative guitar fills and a slick rhythm section. Truth be told the vocals are the anchor. Even the vocal harmonies on the chorus feel like an integral component to the music. 

The kinetic energy continues with “Light Outs” which is arguably the highlight on the EP. Mead’s melancholy organ is contrasted by the bright guitars and forward moving momentum of the bass and drums. Mead’s vocal melody is infectious and the lyrics are prolific. Lines like, “All I ever wanted was to feel alive” and “Don’t want to feel alone” which on paper can read as desperate pleas feel like self-realized truths of the past. The songs spew an invigorating sense of hope and embrace. 

Next up is “Something in Between” which is another great song from beginning to end. The guitar parts, distorted bass and drums coalesce into a melodic wave of white noise. Mead’s vocals are as catchy as ever in this dynamic song. The title song contains hard rocking power pop while the closer “This Moment” reaches a number of impressive peaks. 

Baycation is around sixteen minutes long and not a second is wasted. The songs are tight, well written and never wear out their welcome. Hopefully, they will be releasing even more music and get the recognition they deserve. Highly recommended.

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