Mamahawk

Mamahawk is one of the Austin music scene's emerging gems, a deeply soulful band that meshes bright electronics with warm, thoughtful vocals and acoustic elements to create some of the prettiest and more relaxing indie music to come out of the city in a long time. Today, we're beyond excited to be premiering this up-and-coming act's new video for the gorgeous 'Reset,' a melancholic video for a track from last year's self-titled album, and, according to the band, the video 'explores the push and pull relationship between our animalistic, primal urges and our societal conditioning.' As Mamahawk says, 'It is a call to simply be still and feel the life inside and around us, if only for a moment. Embracing that raw, instinctual side of ourselves may be the only way to truly be free in this world.'

It's a video that puts its own intriguing spin on the trope of the man stuck in a cubicle who yearns for the freedom of wilderness, and locals will note a good amount of Austin-area locations, such as Plaza Saltillo and a particularly striking shot at the border of the forest still devastated by the Bastrop forest fires of the last few years.

The video is immensely relatable for anyone living the modern grind, tenderly channeling the ideas of being a wild being trapped in a static, constricting contemporary world into the symbol of a literal hawkperson (more specifically, a business hawk/person), and the thoroughly gorgeous music is a nice counterpoint to the initial bleakness of the video. As the narrative unfolds, the idyllic sound accompanies the rising action fittingly, and the emotional payoff here is solid.

This video should do a lot to bring Mamahawk's glimmer to a larger audience, and in fact, you can see the whole thing live as part of one of Mamahawk's sets tomorrow July 28 at their Mohawk show, which also includes such great local talent as Yuma, Shapescenes, The Khost and Chill Russell. Give the video a listen below, and if you like what you hear and see, find your way to Mohawk tomorrow for what promises to be an excellent night of music, or check out the full album at their Bandcamp here. - The Deli Magazine

We get on common ground with James Reed and Adam Littman from Mamahawk in episode seven of the On Common Ground music podcast. We discuss their song “Reset”, “Retrograde” by James Blake, moving to Austin to pursue music, how to piece together a home studio, and more. - On Common Ground Podcast

After releasing their self-titled debut album last year, indie band Mamahawk has gotten the chance to perform at some of Austin’s biggest venues including Empire Control Room and Garage, The Mohawk, and Stubbs. Racking up a small following of fans with their Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) inspired music, they have returned with a new music video for the track “Reset,” featuring vocalist Shantel Leitner.

The song features gleaming guitars and beautiful vocals, including those by James Reed, who plays the majority of the instruments on their debut. One of the most atmospheric songs an Austin group has released in years, “Reset” has the effect of embracing the listener fully, like an overbearing mother who will not let you go until it’s all over. In a good way.

Taking listeners away is the intent of “Reset,” and the group succeeds. Only time will tell if the band gets noticed outside of Austin, but we believe that they wholeheartedly deserve it.

Watch the music video by clicking the play button above. - austin.com