MAVRIK
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MAVRIK

| INDIE

| INDIE
Band Hip Hop Alternative

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Music

Press


"The Gift of Gab"

"Refreshing, Positive, uplifting...very unique."- The gift of Gab
- 363 Music Publishing


"MP3 4U.COM"

"Here's a gem from the East Bay's beloved MAVRIK...all around great with a wise message." - Pootitang-MP3 4U
- MP3 4U.COM


"East Bay Express"

MAVRIK-About-Face(Skoman Productions)

A local microcosm of the major-label rap release: guest appearances(Mistah F.A.B, Jennifer Johns, Gift of Gab), high production values, spoken word interludes, and interwoven elements from the urban spectrum(turntablism, R&B, funk). A paint-by-numbers success. - East Bay Express


"Northeast-InTune"

Loren Tallswest Tolman and Yohannes Skoda, the duo that makes Mavrik, hail from California. Their Californian attitudes, as well as influences from their experiences on the East Coast, Kenya, and India have all served as vehicles for creating a music that intertwines the sounds and textures of music from around the world. Mavrik deems themselves members of the hip hop and rap genres. While they tout all the necessary components to fitting into these categories, this duo has much more. Stepping out of the cookie cutter and tending toward the addition of instruments such as the horn and live guitar in their music, Mavrik is exhibiting something more.Never at loss for a great hook, all of Mavrik’s songs are absorbing and addictive. Leaning toward the fun sounds of old school, when rap was pure and enjoyable, Mavrik also integrates completely new elements to their sound.
“Walk Around It,” Mavrik’s greatest achievement so far, kicks off with the ringing of a trumpet. Suddenly, a voice can be heard in the distance, like yelling in a tunnel. Then, with clarity, the rap lyrics dive into the mix. Laying down quick and clever rhymes where the duo works together to compliment one another, “Walk Around It” has substance. Singing about not letting challenges get to you, Mavrik dares to be inspiring. Featuring compelling scratches and incorporating, “Walk Around It” reveals the innovative nature of Mavrik.
“Get Yours” is reminiscent of C & C Music Factory with its strong rhythmic beat and the way that Tolman and Skoda rap. Female vocals chime in through the chorus of the track, which adds another element to the song. At the end of the track, Mavrik drops everything and lets the woman finish the song off powerfully with her last line.

“Let’s Live” subscribes a little tighter to the traditions behind rap and hip-hop. Backed by a hard stomping beat that, once it begins, remains constant throughout the track, this track presents raw lyrics and even a little Spanish. A strong guitar over the track, redolent of Jay-Z’s collaboration with Linkin’ Park, fuses everything together into one cohesive and tight rap song. The track ends (much in the spirit of A Tribe Called Quest and their techniques) with a compelling sample with a symphonic background and a man talking about getting as much out of life as you put into it, “Let’s Live” is given an extra flare.









- Lauren Proctor


"GigsRUs.net"

"This record, About Face, is a remarkable indie achievement. Anthemic melodics, strong lyrical content and an attention to hook-laden tunesmithing emblematic of the best of the bay." - Oliver X


"DMX Music Channel"

Very entertaining. I will give this some good spins for the good energy and unique tracks. - Kenki Tesfaye


"94.9 The Beat Hawaii"

Dude This Song, "Mavriks", is Sick. Production Is Dope And They Kill It!! - DJ Technique


Discography

MAVRIK Dissenter - 2003 - 8 Track EP

"Walk Around it" -2005 - Single Release
"This Music" - 2005 Single Release

Full Length Record - "About Face" -2007 16 tracks

Photos

Bio

Mavrik distills the essence of hip-hop through both banging beats and realistic lyrics. The duo, comprised of Loren “Tallswest” Tolman and Yohannes Skoda, bridges together diverse influences that include not only the rich tradition of Bay Area hip-hop, but also those of the East Coast, Kenya and India. Combining for well over a decade worth of experience in the culture and lifestyle of hip-hop, Mavrik has performed alongside KRS-ONE, Too Short, Aceyalone, Digital Underground, The Gift of Gab, The Frontline, Lyrics Born, Zion I and Mistah FAB. The music uses both beats and the negative space around beats, creating a unique sound that stretches the musical boundaries of hip-hop. The lyrics reflect the varied experiences of both artists, making Mavrik universal in sound and story. In a time where more people are seeking truth and honesty along with skill and ability, Mavrik’s first full-length album, About Face, musically meets these needs.
"About Face" is a cohesive album that gives a fresh perspective on todays hip hop landscape, applicable to its listeners every day life. Mavriks raw nature proves that authentic art also makes the best art. The cinematic album demonstrates the duos ability to touch their listeners to make them move, both internally and externally. While some songs, such as Here We Go, both humorize and humanize the every day challenges people face, other songs, like Surrender feat. The Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and Jennifer Johns, carry the listener through a dark schizophrenic journey that leads ultimately to the realization of hope. Throughout About Face, Mavrik invites people both identify and find new meaning within themselves, sparking new light on the darkness while accentuating the positive aspects of life and never misses a beat.