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The Mammals
at The Parlor Room
Saturday, October 7
Show 7:30pm / Doors 7:00pm
ADV $25 / $23 (Member Price)
DOS $30 / $28 (Member Price)
The Mammals
Why are the societal pain and political-environmental challenge in this album actually so listenable? Our ears can hear it because it’s been composed with great care by two of folk-Americana’s most heartfelt topical songwriters and lovingly performed by an ensemble of nine musicians.
“Coming Down Off Summer” kicks off the set with pulsating percussion, an ocean of feeling, and an intimate vocal by Ruth Ungar. After a delicately psychadelic jam we’re launched into “Radio Signal” Mike Merenda’s new-folk classic with all the sonic markings of a rock ballad. Already the hooks and choruses will have become part of your muscle memory, when a plaintive fiddle and the sweet, existential refrain of “What It All Is” carry us even further into Merenda’s perspective on nature and humanity.
The song with the deepest emotional resonance is most certainly “If You Could Hear Me Now.” Arranged sparsely with graceful Wurlitzer and pedal steel, it powerfully pairs Merenda’s poetic songwriting and Ungar’s magnetic voice. “Someone’s Hurting” is a darkly edgy banjo-driven song by Ungar, conceived on tour amid the beautiful Scottish countryside while witnessing, along with countless others, the horror of police violence playing out at home via live-streamed video.
Lighter, uplifting tracks like the dreamy “California,” soulful “East Side West Side” and Petty-esque “You Can Come to My House” remind us that this Woodstock, NY band is still optimistic at heart. The Mammals are a “party band with a conscience” with 20 years on-the-road experience winning new fans, leading sing-alongs, and building community one room, one hillside at a time.
Whether this album helps us slow to hear Earth’s call, take the time to reflect on our collective experiences, or acts as a rallying beacon to action depends on the listener. Either way, we feel reassured that it’s our combined responsibility to stay alert, use our strength to protect the fragile, and remember to stay welcoming and kind. Everyone’s invited to plant their roots, hoist their antenna, and tune in to The Mammals.
The Parlor Room is a BYOB venue. Tickets are non-refundable.
The Parlor Room is located at 32 Masonic Street Northampton, MA 01060
Date & Time
Sat, Oct 7, 2023 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
The Parlor Room
32 Masonic StreetNorthampton, Massachusetts 01060
