Desert Mambas -- Pastel Southwestern

Desert Mambas doesn’t pull any punches on their new EP Pastel Southwestern. Led by Bailey Moses of Fox Bodies, Desert Mambas brings some retro whimsy to the modern issues of dysphoria in the sense of social disconnect that comes with living as a trans man. By combining these themes with twinkly mid-century lounge music, Mambas uses an air of romance to defuse the enraging experiences of daily life.

The band also makes plenty of space for trans joy, but isn’t afraid to poke fun at that experience. “Ladies Shoes” and “Hot George Costanza” take ownership of masculinity while poking fun of its absurdities. (However, I disagree with the song’s central premise because, as a lesbian, I think George Costanza is super butch and sexy.)

The country rev-up “Alopecia Plant Killer” finds Moses occupying the lower register of their voice, bemoaning the difficulties of modern life while tapping into classic country vibes. While that anguish is centered on the death of some houseplants, the message rings true: this all sucks, but we’re going to make it — just like the generations of people before us who turned to this music for comfort and affirmation. Putting a queer stamp on these classic sounds reminds us to reject conservatism, but embrace the traditions we’ve come from.

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