Dreamachine
Kill Rock Stars, 2024
8/10
A meticulous 3rd album from New York’s Habibi, the 9 tracks present swirl with analog and digital components that extract from their garage-rock roots and expands into many other other genres, too.
“On The Road” starts the listen with Yukary Morishima’s skilled bass and a slight droning that’s mesmerizing and melodic, and “In My Dreams” follows with an indeed dreamy spirit, where the swirling synth is met with Lyla Vander’s thumping drums.
Into the middle, “Do You Want Me Now” buzzes with plenty of ‘60s girl group ideas amid the distorted guitar from Ana Becker, while “My Moon” makes great use of vibraphone that segues into soulful areas via a rich landscape.
Deeper still, “Fairweather Friend” allows front woman Rahill Jamalifard’s bright voice to shine alongside the frisky and post-punk friendly ideas, and “Alone Tonight” exits with thick bass and thumping drums that suit the vintage nods that even embraces brass.
Now active for nearly 15 years, Jamalifard and Lenny Lynch started the band in Detroit and their adventurous take on ‘60s girl group pop is constantly evolving; this just might be their best work yet.
Travels well with: Sneaks- Happy Birthday; Rich Ruth- Water Still Flows