Idiot Mambo - Shoot The Start SM071

Idiot Mambo started as a bedroom project from primary songwriters Benji Davis and Leah G. Their sophomore record, Shoot the Star, is a kaleidoscopic homage to their eclectic influences, from punky pop and thrift-store glam to country sparkle. Joined by Jared Brey, Dan Timlin, and Dan Angel, whose drumming and engineering prowess laid the foundation for a newer, more polished sound. The band embraced experimentation, layering synthesizers, pedal steel, tape delay and even a pill bottle shaker to create a sound that’s both raw and meticulously crafted. “Our first studio session features Dan Angel on drums and Jared on bass.” says Benji “We have one rehearsal prior. Dan learns the tunes, lays down amazing rhythms and engineers the session, living up to his reputation as the hardest working man in showbusiness.“

Lyrically, Shoot the Star is a wild ride through themes of insomnia, existential musings, and partying through the chaos. “The record has wreckless homages to all sorts of stuff.” says Benji. Several songs on the album were written in collaboration with spoken word poet Colbert Root who joins the band live as a theatrically effective orator. Tracks like “Tailchase” and “Deathdriver” explore failure and rebirth, while “Bop Til U Drop” and “Light Bulbs” deliver infectious, off-kilter energy. With its reckless charm and genre-defying spirit, Shoot the Star is a record for nowhere people. Idiot Mambo is here to remind you that rock and roll is alive, weird, and undeniably fun.
credits
released May 30, 2025

Melodies of sacred matrimony by Benji & Leah
Rhythmic accompaniment and dear friendship by Jared Brey (bass), Dan Angel (drums), and Dan Timlin (drums, pedal steel)
Dead Roses co-written in good spirits with Colbert Root
Recorded, mixed, and mastered expertly by Dan Angel

Proceeds benefit mutual aid orgs in or around Philadelphia PA