Mammoth Mammoth - Mammoth (2009)

Review By Belle Tope

Gosh. Really, what can I say about this album from Melbourne boys Mammoth Mammoth... it is just that : MAMMOTH.

Receiving this little cardboard gem in the mail was bitter-sweet. I had heard the news about the group's split post-release and I sort of felt like my best mates were divorcing.

Everything about this album for me as a music lover is so amazing – high quality, brilliant production, fantastic lyrics, gorgeous instrumentation with all instruments used to their complete and full potential (well, as far as this writer who can play a number of woodwind and brass instruments is concerned).

I've drowned myself in this album for the past three days.

It's been in the house, in the car, blaring through my headphones – I literally feel like the words and sounds have coursed through my veins for this time and I still just want to play it over and over and over.

My eight year-old is a fan, I've had a mini-mosh pit happening in front of my stereo at times.

There are brilliant raw moments where people cough, or odd electronic sounds are added that make sense in the complete context – the cover features an esoteric looking elephant with a number of naked women kneeling at its feet.

Seriously, listen to this album naked and with a bottle of wine. I highly recommend it.

So after all that listening and taking it in, I want to get Mammoth Mammoth together, give them a hug and tell them to put out another bloody album.

These guys are talented. There is no doubt about their skill – they were just recently nominated for an AIR Award, losing out to my other favourite group, The Nation Blue.

Those things are not just handed out to anybody. I think even getting nominated speaks volumes about Mammoth Mammoth and their Mammoth album effort that will sit constantly in my stereo for quite some time to come.

We can only hope for another musical moment from the group in the future.

RATING: 4 out of 5

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