Mwahaha “Amba”

26 Mar 2013 — Henning Lahmann

Originally published via their own label in 2011, Oakland psych-poppers Mwahaha are about to re-release their eponymous debut on LA-based Plug Research, extended with two previously undisclosed bonus tracks, "Das Space" and "Amba". You may take an exclusive listen to the latter track below, which is heavier on the electronics than the band's previous material, see in comparison LP standout "Love" for instance. Still, the trio's indebtedness to unabashed psychedelic playfulness remains untouched. "Amba" starts inconspicuously, but slowly builds up a massive, impenetrable wall of noise and chaotic synth incursions, eventually giving way to a rousing finish of frizzing drum machine intervals and a surge of erratically surfacing sounds that strangely make sense in the end.

Mwahaha is out in the US today, with a UK release scheduled for June 24. Get it here. Watch out for a Boiler Room LA appearance on April 9, and for the band opening for Sigur Ros in the UK at Eden Sessions on June 30.