Written by Alexa Delgado
Self-described as a “progressive folk-jazz” and “whimsy-pop” group, Nosy Mangabe sounds like it could be the lovechild of bands She & Him and Of Montreal. This does not mean the band isn’t original, though. Their EP, The Lemonatti, combines a unique mixture of modern and vintage sounds, ukulele and synth, and harmony and solo.
The opening song, “Universe and Chorus,” begins with the soft strums of a ukulele. This, coupled with the bell-like sounds of a glockenspiel, gives off a slight tropical undertone – which is suiting, considering the band borrows their name from a tropical island off the coast of Madagascar. The vocals, soft yet dominant, are occasionally accented by a countermelody. The song then ends with distorted vocals and distinctly spacey sounds effects.
“Craig” sounds like a song you could listen to while strolling down Main Street in Disneyland. The song stands out with its use of trombone and quick interjectory male vocals not present anywhere else in the EP. The lyrics, at times utterly cynical (“I’ve found that I’ve fallen into to despair”), contrast sharply with the song’s playful, cheery melody.
The Lemonatti would be the perfect addition to any pop-lover’s spring playlist. You can listen to this witty, whimsical album for free on their bandcamp.