14 Comments
User's avatar
Jwer00's avatar

Their live performance on KEXP earlier this year is amazing. FYI: It can be found on You Tube.

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

i don't know why I never seek out recordings of live performances! i think I get too much fomo lol

Expand full comment
Paul Zickler's avatar

Do you know Library Card? Dutch band with similar sound, although more overtly postpunk influence (jagged bleats of angular guitar). Their new single, Art School, totally kicks ass, and Sunflowers was my favorite single of 2023.

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

on my way to check them out!

Expand full comment
Becky R's avatar

I saw Mhaol at SXSW this year. They were a four-piece at the time, and it was the more no-wave indebted sound that you describe here. I thought they were good - I had only just discovered them during my annual "who's playing sxsw" research.

The really shocking part for me was that there were only about 20 people in the audience! So I had unobstructed views and made a lot of eye contact - definitely made sure to be encouraging and enthusiastic! Also: my partner and I unknowingly shared a picnic table at a food truck with them before the show! We had no idea they were the band, haha, there just weren't many places to sit.

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

such a shame people aren't listening to them. they really deserve a spot in that pantheon. i guess losing band members is a confidence shock

Expand full comment
Elizabeth  Rubenstein's avatar

uh, yeah!

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

oh yes

Expand full comment
Kristin DeMarr's avatar

Definitely giving a listen today as they sound like I would love them

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

report back!

Expand full comment
Lynsey's avatar

Ohhh thanks for this rec! Just checked out a couple of the songs you included in the stack and this is right up my alley! 🖤

Expand full comment
Gabbie's avatar

I'm so happy this fit for you

Expand full comment
RK's avatar

So glad you featured M(h)aol! Loved them as soon as I heard “Gender Studies” in 2022. Didn’t realize they haven’t found a bigger audience yet because they’re great.

Haven’t seen them live. Haven’t listened to the new record enough yet to ponder changes deeply but I like it too.

Make me think of Perennial and Luge.

Expand full comment
Dylan's avatar

I love Something Soft, but, for no real reason, I have yet to listen to their previous stuff. That changes right now.

Expand full comment