Harmonica Lewinski

VIDEO PREMIERE: Harmonica Lewinski - Mango Mouth

Will Shenton ·

Kelly Kirwan

I like to picture the collective that is Harmonica Lewinski having a continuous grin, a twitch of the lip that’s a telltale sign of mischievous demeanor. This is a band of props and puns (case in point, their namesake), and of course, a good time. And if you had any doubts, their latest video release, "Mango Mouth," hums with warm-weather, lackadaisical waves, kicking off with a deep, groovy bass line and continuing on with tropical-tinged guitar. It’s a montage of an isolated beach party, with clips of the band alternately lounging and playing for the crowd (while rocking the Hawaiian shirt aesthetic, I must say). The lyrics are delivered in an even drawl, littered with invitations to join in on the fun, like, “Stop standing in your doorway baby … Please whisper what your soul is craving.” And that easy, Dionysian buzz gradually seeps over us as we listen—even the most uptight of crowds would be inclined to partake. 

As the song progresses, the camera switches between a subtle fisheye lens to broader shots of the amusements—splashing in the water, swaying with eyes closed to the sedated grunge Harmonica Lewinski is peddling. Towards the end, sunspots flicker across the screen, later joined by spots that would suggest a reel melting over a flame. Beach dwellers twirl lethargically, shaking their hair to the beat, completely engrossed. It’s addictively easy-going—the sort of song that begets sunny skies and a few (who’s counting?) spirits.

PREMIERE: Harmonica Lewinski - Mango Mouth

Gerard Marcus ·

Kelly Kirwan

Monica Lewinski has been an unwitting icon for political scandal and a name in our cultural lexicon that never seems to expire. She's a noun turned verb (as Beyoncé deemed on her self-titled visual album circa 2013), and a reference tossed around in various comedic sets or satirical run-downs. She turns Shakespeare's famous line of what's in a name on it's axis by showing that sometimes the answer is: a lot. Because among all the jokes and elbow jabs, she’s also morphed into a play on words for the garage-surf rock outfit, Harmonica Lewinski. 

Harmonica Lewisnki has taken the old trope of sex, drugs and rock n' roll and tweaked it to a genre more focused on sex, puns and props (one of their performance mainstays). Being that fun is a huge factor in both their music and frame of mind (you can just imagine them introducing their band name with a smug expression), they evoke a funny-because-it's-slightly-uncouth kind of glee. This good times mentality is downright contagious on their latest track, “Mango Mouth.” It has shades of The Zombies’ Time of the Season—specifically with it's easy summer vibes; it’s a song that should be played on dreamy, lackadaisical July nights, the deep, almost drawling vocals emphasizing the sultry quality of its melody. It's got that cool you associate with jazz, and the chill of lo-fi psychedelia—that sweet buzz of your first few drinks and all-in-good-fun provocation.  Harmonica Lewinski has two shows in NYC this weekend and a TAPE coming out tomorrow. Be sure to check them out.