Habibi just released their third album, Dreamachine, which they made with producer Tyler Love and longtime collaborator Jay Heiselmann. It’s definitely new territory for the band; the late-’00s girl group garage rock vibes can still be found, but a funkier, disco-fueled sound rides overtop. It’s an album made for dancing and you can listen below.
For more on Dreamachine‘s new direction, all five members of the band contributed to a list of songs that were influential on the album, including Tom Tom Club, ESG, Cymande, New Order, Diana Ross, Orange Juice and more. Check out their list and commentary below.
HABIBI – SONGS THAT INFLUENCED NEW ALBUM DREAMACHINE
Rahil:
Googoosh – “Talagh”
I’m a huge fan of moody disco songs that are driven less by the BPM and more by the hypnotic grooves, and “Talagh” is a perfect example of that. When we pivoted to write dance songs influenced by disco and post punk I can’t help but think of this song as inspiration.
ESG – “Moody”
I love ESG because their essence is a compelling rawness. Their songs are tough, they scream out at you, but it’s an abrasive invitation. Their attitude and conviction were definitely a source of inspiration for me.
Dr Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band – “Sunshowers”
I love elements of nature in music, field recordings of rain, wind, thunder, blended into song; a crystallization of memory. I love the gentleness of this song, I definitely thought of this song when writing the vocal melody for “My Moon.”
Lenny:
Carol – “So Low”
During my house arrest time, I was listening to so many minimal lo-fi early-’80s songs but this one blew me away and is still in my repertoire. It’s so heartsick and romantic. I love the simplicity of it. I got out my keyboards and wanted to capture certain conflicting emotional elements with “In My Dreams.” She’s so mysterious! Who is she? Carol, I love you wherever you are.
Esmeray – “Ayrilik Olsa Bile”
Such a gorgeous song that both Rah and I reference often. Esmeray is a Turkish singer and Turk-persian psych have some of our favorite uses of instrumentation. With this song in particular, wanted to have male drone vocal at the end of “On the Road” reminiscent of the manly chorus in this song. Thanks Jay for singing that!
Peter Gordon & Love of Life Orchestra/Justine & the Victorian Punks – “Still You”
This song is like going to a fun party and chatting up someone sexy in a corner. It has such a groove, disco guitar and then this sultry conversation is going on between (Tunisian-born avant artist) Collette and Peter Gordon in a phone call. We wanted a slightly muffled telephone convo in “POV” to carry thru the song and add an excitement of going out on the town.
Lyla:
New Order – “Age of Consent”
I listened to a lot of New Order while making this album. I was searching for punk danceability and the right balance of electronic and analog. “Age of Consent” is a classic example – the drums are driving so crazy that the synths and vocals can cruise.
Diana Ross – “Love Hangover”
Me and Lenny kept talking about making a song with a “Love Hangover” (Diana Ross) style breakdown outro and I think we did it!
Tom Tom Club – “L’Elephant”
I put Bongos on everything and played with a lot of Polyrythms on the record. I wanted to make fun stuff like Tom Tom Club. They are perfect at that.
Yukary:
Cymande – “Dove”
I really love Cymande songs. They are so groovy and sexy. I move my body easily. You can listen them anytime anywhere. Dove is a long song but I never feel bored. Just love feeling the energy and the vibe of this song. That’s I was going for playing bass of “ Dreamachine.”
Ana:
Orange Juice – “Falling and Laughing”
I love the way the guitars pull between anxious picky grooves, big chimey swells and dizzy melodies. Everything is just right, but also sounds like it could be on the verge of falling apart.
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Habibi were just in NYC last week and have West Coast dates starting this week:
June 6 – Morro Bay, CA @ The Siren
June 7 – Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door
June 8 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley
June 9 – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
June 12 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
June 14 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy and Harriet’s
June 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
June 17 – Jacumba Hot Springs, CA @ Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel