Mondo Lava

Mondo Lava is a lo-fi psychedelic duo from Davis, California, consisting of James Ketchum and Leon Roc Hu. Since forming in 2006, they have crafted a unique sound that blends elements of 1970s Tropicália, dub, new age, and video game music, often recording directly to cassette for a tactile, warm vintage effect. Their playful, trippy compositions involve guitars, keyboards, hand percussion, and Casio instruments, weaving dense, improvisational soundscapes that feel both exotic and whimsical. Their 2025 album *Utero Dei* stands as their most ambitious work, offering a sprawling 75-minute journey through richly textured, psychedelic realms that feel like a mythical, sonic landscape full of devotional and futuristic vibes.

Mondo Lava's music has a distinctive lo-fi charm, with layered synth lines and intricate rhythms that recall both ancient mysticism and cybernetic futures, creating a deeply atmospheric experience. Despite their experimental edge, their tracks carry a breezy, almost tropical warmth, inviting listeners into a strange, enchanting world that pushes the boundaries of underground psychedelic pop. They're known for infusing their releases with joyful improvisation and surreal, colorful moods, making them a standout in the contemporary psych-underground.