p h o t o s
Hikes 2025 Press Photo - Download
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Hikes is a nature-inspired experimental rock project anchored by the emotive, technically deft songwriting of Nay Mapalo (LCD Soundsystem, Reyna Tropical). Their newest LP, Winnower, follows the death of Nay's father, and subsequent move back to Texas to ground themselves in community and music. Recorded over a year at Dandy Sounds with Dan Duszynski (Loma), The band explores their love of midwest emo, pop-forward sensibilities, and more expansive and patient songs that let the technicality of the playing shine when it needs to. Their first single 'FEEL' has the familiar forest musings of Mapalo, but introduces lush synths, distorted live breakbeats, and layered harmonies.
Their split with Into It. Over It., Reciprocity, was written over the course of a month living in a studio, and it captures Hikes’ full dynamic range: from the drum-driven intensity of Crown Shyness, to the pop-punk energy of Better, to the crashing, cinematic waves of Sana All. Having sold out over a dozen cities on their recent tour with Covet, Hikes is now preparing a new record, world tours, and more.
Their album Mahal Kita reflects the spectrum of personal hardships over the two years leading up to it. From the ethereal pop opener been thinkin’, which reintroduces member Claire Glass (Mother Falcon, Austin Classical Guitar), to the technically ambitious extra mile (featuring The Kraken Quartet), the album moves dynamically, offering both vulnerability and virtuosity.
Previous album Lilt, recorded in Tokyo with Takaaki Mino (of toe), features interwoven guitar textures, dense lyricism, and a pulsing rhythm section. Rooted in experiences of nearly losing a parent, reconnecting with nature, and the ache of missing a best friend, Lilt is experimental indie rock imbued with humbled hopefulness. The album launched Hikes onto the global stage, selling out shows across Japan, Europe, and the U.S.
With a rich catalog and evolving sound, Hikes continues to bring its music in ever-changing forms to cities worldwide.
p r e s s
“Mathy music with an elastic groove that's got me in my feels”
Lars Gotrich, NPR - LINK
"Sitting down with Hikes is to meet an unbelievable wave of positivity in its most genuine form"
-Aisha Burns, East Side Magazine - Link
”Hikes are better than they’ve ever been with the absolutely beautiful Mahal Kita”
-Billie Helton, Everything Is Noise - Link
"Hikes seamlessly blends folk music with math rock and adds of touch of soul."
-The Math Rock Times - Link
"Hikes’ latest offering is a display of discipline and restraint. Where other artists might use their technical prowess in every turn to flex their techniques, they have instead carefully used these tools along with their musicality. Creating an experience that everyone can empathize with without knowing the technicalities involved. Mahal Kita is nothing short of an expression of love."
-Kristine Alaura, Hella Fuzz - Link
”Their sound is quite the trail mix, borrowing from emo, math rock, indie, folk, punk and all the rest. In all, it’s always a fun and wholesome ride from a band with many years in the game."
-Nik Hunter, Fecking Bahamas - Link
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