Originally Published on March 17th, 2026

~ About the Artist ~

It was nearly a year ago when I featured mavdv on the FMOF platform for the first time, when I reviewed his album KUDYX ERA. The thing I loved about this electronic artist then was his cultural awareness in his music. He has a broad reach with regard to his influences and genres he likes to experiment with, but he is aware of the importance of tying in pieces of himself with the work.

KUDYX ERA became one of my most favorite instrumental records and suffice it to say, mavdv quickly got my attention.

So, when I found out about his next release, I couldn’t wait to get into it.

(Speaking of MYLANJI)

“This is a drastically different project from my album, as it has me relying solely on old samples from my home state of Kerala, all in Malayalam.” ~ Mavdv

As I read the EPK for this album, I couldn’t help but get excited. I thought KUDYX was personal but, the more I read, the more I realized how deep of a dive we would be taking with MYLANJI.

~ About the EP ~

MYLANJI is a 5 song EP released by independent electronic recording artist, Mavdv out of Dubai, UAE (originally India). At 17 minutes, it features samples from Mavdv’s home, along with original scores and production performed by Mavdv.

(For MYLANJI) “ I attempted to make each song its own experience. I would say this is my most personal project to date, since I wanted to create something in my own language, seeing that no one else is willing to, specifically someone who came from my background.”

If there is something I love, when it comes to music, it is the willingness to make a bold statement. This is exactly what we’ve got from Mavdv.

The EP opens with the song, ALAMBU, which runs a little less than 2 minutes. Featuring a pulsating single note from a sitar and a sample from a vocalist, the percussion is organic, simple, and has an energy to guide us into the work.

KUMMATTY is my favorite track on the project.

“KUMMATTY is sampled from the movie of the same name, where children sing about a Bogeyman from the folktales their grandmothers would tell them.” ~ Mavdv

Listening to the children singing underneath this track, the instrumentation enhances their story with haunting effect. The synths are balanced, ominous, and purposeful. They creep into the song as mystically as The Bogeyman and, in the climax, the organ layers over the synth as if it were a monumental reveal pushing the folklore into existence.

Mavdv brings much of his influence from culturally significant film. YAKSHI, NAGA, and NAYAK, URUMI all feature samples from movies and actors who are deeply engrained in the Malayam pop culture.

“This EP is meant to be very experimental, as seen in the differing moods across the tracks. (Some) are much groovier while (others) seem more fitting for mysterious, scary vibe.” ~ Mavdv

Mavdv, wanted to bring culture to the epicenter of the entire project. So much, he chose not to feature himself in any of the promotional photography. The EP cover, for instance, features a Toddy Shop, which is “similar to a pub or a bar.” (Mavdv, from EPK)

The EP title, MYLANJI, refers to Henna in Malayalam.

“ Henna can be described as a temporary tattoo and, fittingly, both the EP and real-life counterpart are meant to symbolize the effort and layers that have gone into the production, creation, and seeking of the samples you (hear) in this project. Henna, in my opinion, is the most beautiful work of art in this world, and this EP hopes to demonstrate that through the gorgeous culture of my home. ” ~ Mavdv

~ Final Thoughts ~

I’ve really enjoyed siding this music with Mavdv’s explanation of the project. Reading about his home through his eyes has been illuminating and he’s absolutely captured the brilliance and the beauty of the Malayalam culture.

I’ve never been to India, the UAE, or Dubai. I have spent a bit of time in Doha, Qatar. Though it’s not the same place, it’s in the same region, as the two countries are very close to one another. What I loved about that region of the world is, no matter how great the innovation was, it could never fully distract from the history and the culture. In a sea of skyscrapers and genius architecture, one could still travel through a city to find a Sooq where a variety of markets existed selling goods and artifacts.

Mavdv has done an excellent job of capturing this very rich culture with this beautiful music. His care and devotion to this project is a testament to the importance of that spirit. MYLANJI is something we don’t get to hear every day. All the more reason to go spin it.

Go press play!