Written by Larissa Swatek

On March 26th, 2024, the New York City-based band Crumb made an exciting announcement regarding their upcoming third full-length album titled ‘AMAMA,’ set to be released on May 17th through Crumb Records. Known for their unique blend of psychedelic pop, jazz, and rock elements, Crumb has established themselves as a band with a distinct identity. The album is a collaborative effort featuring singer and multi-instrumentalist Lila Ramani, keyboardist and saxophonist Bri Aronow, bassist Jesse Brotter, and drummer Jonathan Gilad, alongside producers Johnscott Sanford and Johnathan Rado.

‘AMAMA’ promises to be a collection of music that is both carefree and open-hearted, showcasing poetic and confessional self-awareness. It represents a significant artistic evolution for the band, delving into deeper themes while maintaining their signature sound. The title track of the album, released alongside the announcement, serves as a tribute to Ramani’s grandmother, with her voice sampled throughout the song which adds a deep personal layer to the album. 

Crumb’s previous collaborations, such as the single ‘Le Temple Volant’ with Melody’s Echo Chamber in 2023, have garnered acclaim from various music publications including Pitchfork, The FADER, and Stereogum. The band’s journey through their breakout EPs, including their self-titled EP ‘Locket,’ as well as their albums ‘Jinx’ in 2019 and ‘Ice Melt’ in 2021, has been praised by Rolling Stone for its captivating exploration of metaphysical themes intertwined with grounded narratives.

With ‘AMAMA,’ Crumb continues to push boundaries and establish themselves as one of the most compelling bands in contemporary music, promising an album that will resonate deeply with fans and critics alike.