Mammoth Penguins - ‘Here’ review
Mammoth Penguins by Gavin Singleton
Today, Mammoth Penguins the Cambridge-based group, made up of Emma Kupa on vocals and guitars, Mark Boxall on bass, keys, and vocals, and Tom Barden on drums, percussion, and vocals, released their fourth album, Here, via Fika Recordings. The album was recorded, mixed, and edited by Owen Turner at Sickroom Studios and produced by the band's very own drummer, Tom Barden, and with help from Mary Erskine, who supplied the string arrangements, cello, and violin on the tracks “Here” and “Success” and mastered Joe Caithness.
It’s been five years since the indie-pop trio released their album There’s No Fight When We Both Can’t Win. They were scheduled to play SXSW, but as the pandemic rose, that was cancelled, leaving the band gutted. But during the quarantine and missing being together, the band started writing more and trying new approaches with their music, something that certainly shows on Here.
Here starts with “Species”, a relatively wholesome opener, with the self-reflective lyrics “I’ve always felt love and warmth around me, but I’ve never felt seen / I guess that why I crave so much validation”, and catchy hooks, the album is already off to a good start, with each instrument getting to shine in their way in the duration of the song. And there’s no time to waste with “Flyers”, tackling the touring life; the distorted guitars in the background and the upbeat, catchy sound of drumming to Kupa’s vibrant vocals describing the highs and lows of being on the road is an instant standout song on the album. And what exactly makes it stand out? Well, lyric-wise, it’s so raw. The description of how it can often feel being on tour: “Waiting in venues, feeling so lost / And lonely,” gives us the perspective of the band, but it’s done so classy. Listeners may find themselves analyzing each line of the song.
In “Blue Plaque,” we hear the tempo be taken down a notch, practically layered with sombre lyrics. It’s not all taken down a notch; by the time the song is midway through, a burst of energy from the cymbals and bass comes in and packs a punch on the chorus. It’s a proper grungy indie–pop song that lets the band become one in musical harmony. “Everything That I Write” does go a bit more pop, but that really doesn’t matter because it keeps their grungy sound mixed in there. The guitar riffs in this song are too catchy for its own good. It’s a nice and light song. Following is “Here”, the longest track on the album, with 5 minutes and 36 seconds; it starts with Kupa’s vocals joined with the simple notes from a guitar before the whole band joins in. The song has such an emotional impact, thanks to the string arrangement that compliments the lyrics. The sound of the violin solo, in the end, will leave one with goosebumps. It’s a gorgeous song and another standout piece from the band. It would have made the perfect album closer.
Because “Nothing and Ever” follows, and while it’s short, sweet, and upbeat. It has the rest of the band joining in on vocals and giving it an overall harmonized sound to it. “Old Friends” has an inkling of reggae tones to it. The song is somewhat nostalgic, reminiscing and reminding Kupa of where she comes from. Sometimes, catching up with old friends can have such an impact on a person, and clearly, Kupa took it in. “Lost Friends” is about losing a friend, and the way Mammoth Penguins captures the feeling of loss, and accompanied by only a guitar, the emotions run high with the song. The penultimate track, “Success,” touches on the effects of feeling low and reminding yourself to “Not to let the past break you,” as Kupa sings, to once again the beautifully timed string arrangement that we heard in the duration of “Here”. The closing track is called “A Plea For Kindness” and is a slow-tempo song. It’s the second longest track on the album, and the lyrics touch on being open and kind to other people, no matter who they are or how they were born, and we should focus on being more inclusive. The song picks up its pace at the three-minute mark, with the rest of the band joining in, not only on instruments but as a whole.
Here is absolutely remarkable. The album brings to mind the output of Fresh and The Beths with its sound, but the grungier tracks elevate indie-pop/punk to another level. The songwriting gives a taste of a band that has grown and teaches listeners how absence can make a band’s collaboration more effective and relaxed. Mammoth Penguins may be four albums into their career now, but this is not an album anyone should sleep on. Mostly, if you like indie, it’s cohesive and fresh. Well done to Mammoth Penguins, and well done to everyone involved.
Here from Mammoth Penguins is out now via Fika Recordings and available on all good streaming platforms. Catch the band on tour later this month.
