Idiot Mambo

Idiot Mambo started as a bedroom project from primary songwriters Benji Davis and Leah G. Their sophomore record, Shoot the Star, is a kaleidoscopic homage to their eclectic influences, from punky pop and thrift-store glam to country sparkle. Joined by Jared Brey, Dan Timlin, and Dan Angel whose drumming and engineering prowess laid the foundation for a newer, more polished sound. The band embraced experimentation, layering synthesizers, pedal steel, and even a pill bottle shaker to create a sound that’s both raw and meticulously crafted. “Our first studio session features Dan Angel on drums and Jared on bass.” says Benji “ We have one rehearsal prior.  Dan learns the tunes, lays down amazing rhythms and engineers the session, living up to his reputation as the hardest working man in showbusiness. “

Idiot Mambo’s debut “Flamingo In Limbo” showcases their songwriting range from Indie pop earworm “b tru 2 ur st8” to the subtle Nilsson-eque “Love Thyself” and “Omnibus” which does a 180 into 90’s style club beats. Throughout Flamingo In Limbo Benji and Leah make it abundantly clear just how skilled they are at crafting catchy inspired tunes. Benji describes his production process.”On occasion I’ll write out a song fully on a guitar and then build around it. More often, I’ll start with a snippet of a melody or something and get that germ into my computer.  Then I’ll flesh out rhythm, instrumentation, vocals, and evolve it into something I can call ‘done’. I must’ve been feeling nostalgic about the keyboards I messed around with as a kid because I constructed most of the beats for this tape using Casio ‘Super Drums’.  It’s janky, but it feels like home.  The whole project is sort of like a demo tape that I got to make with my 7 year old self.”