Tragedy struck Mamaleek, ahead of the release of their forthcoming album, Vida Blue, out August 9th via The Flenser (Chat Pile), in March of 2023 when the group lost longtime friend and member, Eric Livingston. Despite this profound loss, Mamaleek persevered, performing as a quartet at various festivals, including a performance at the 2023 edition of Roadburn.

Following, Mamaleek returned to the studio to create new material that appropriately reflects their journey through loss and honors their fallen comrade. The resulting album draws inspiration from the legacy of Oakland A’s baseball legend Vida Blue, whose former team coincidentally announced its relocation to Las Vegas that same year. The band members themselves describe this poignant chapter in their own words: “Time is a slippery fish. Maybe only someone like Vida could grasp it. Although he’s left time behind, his image and that lefty heat remain in the memories of many. Eventually they’ll be forgotten, and hopefully replaced with even more exultant ones. This musical recording is a reflection on loss and its acceptance. We explore several examples for each song, including the loss of pride, of money, of glory, of country, of sanity, of a favorite sports team, of significant others, and, every day, one’s self. It also explores various associated moods–fear, panic, reverence, stoicism, and steadfastness–to arrive at a resolution: Loss is only a test, the glue that holds and erodes each memory, the connection that binds and loosens us all, pitch by pitch, inning by inning. “This is your celebration.”

Mamaleek
Vida Blue,
track listing
The Flenser

Tegucigalpa
Vileness Slim
Vida Blue
Ancient Souls, No Longer Sorrowful
Momentary Laughter Concealed From My Eyes
Black Pudding Served at the Horn of the Altar
Hatful of Rain
Legion of Bottom Deck Dealers
Hidden Exit on a Greyhound

Pre Order Vida Blue by Mamaleek HERE