At the end of May, Philadelphia band Idiot Mambo will released their second album, Shoot the Star, on the label Strange Mono. The band began as a home recording project between Benji Davis and Leah G. Now, they’ve expanded into a full group, including Jared Brey, Dan Timlin, and Dan Angel. With new members and new sounds, this album shows how the band has grown.
Shoot the Star mixes many styles—punky pop, thrift-store glam, and even country twang. Some songs use unusual instruments, like a pill bottle shaker, pedal steel, and layers of synthesizers. The result is both rough and carefully made. “Our first studio session had Dan Angel on drums and Jared on bass,” said Benji. “We only had one rehearsal, but Dan nailed it. He even engineered the whole session.”
The album’s lyrics are strange, thoughtful, and sometimes messy—in a good way. The songs talk about not being able to sleep, deep thoughts, and trying to have fun even when things feel out of control. Benji calls it “reckless homage,” meaning the band isn’t afraid to try different sounds or ideas. Some songs were co-written with spoken word poet Colbert Root, who also performs with the band live. His voice adds a dramatic and powerful touch.
Tracks like “Tailchase” and “Deathdriver” look at the ideas of failure and starting over. Songs like “Bop Til U Drop” and “Light Bulbs” are full of strange, catchy energy. The album doesn’t fit in one style, but that’s what makes it exciting. Shoot the Star is full of surprises, perfect for fans who like things weird, fun, and unpredictable.
The album is coming out on Strange Mono, a small label based in Philadelphia. Strange Mono gives all profits from their music to causes picked by the artists. Their goal is to support musicians while helping others.
With Shoot the Star, Idiot Mambo proves that bold, offbeat rock music is still very much alive.