mary in the junkyard
A packed out, sweltering, Castle & Falcon welcomed Mary in the junkyard to Birmingham this month. Their debut album, Role Model Hermit, which released in July of this year, has found souring success, with tracks like Blood and New Muscles becomng instan alternative classics.
Opening the night was American DIY band, Tummyache, helmed by Soren Bryce. Bryce’s diary-like lyrics clash with distorted guitars that buzz with static energy. Facing each other in a triad, each member felt as though they were rooted to the spot, ready to explode with intensity. The result was a raw unfiltered performance with a sound I will definitely be returning to.
Mary in the junkyard, formed of Clari Freeman Taylor (guitar and vocals), Saya Barbaglia (viola and bass) and David Addison (drums) bring a distinctly funky sound to the current indie landscape. Heavy bass driven songs are held together through eccentric song-writing and the delicate trills of the viola. Culminating in brooding, dark fairytale-esque, songs.
On stage however, this combination felt a little dimmed in comparison to the dynamism found on Role Model Hermit. Muted guitars and whispery vocals become washed out by the driving bass and drums. The drawbacks of being a trio that plays multiple instruments, I suppose, is that you can never quite capture that rich fullness of studio layering. If only mary in the junkyard had more limbs!!
Despite this, the atmosphere at mary in the junkyard’s Birmingham headline was amazing. While constant swapping out of bass for viola, guitar for another even rockier guitar, had it’s downsides, it did bring new elements of the songs to the forefront. Tracks like Mantra III held an even eerier tone than the original, the hauning refrain drenced in reverb. Other highlights of the set included their latest single, Jane, and of course New Muscles, which they started with a quick bob and weave boxing routine.
Their show, as well as Man/Woman/Chainsaw’s sold out headline (with more dates added due to demand) highlight the city’s growing desire for the contemporary indie scene. Birmingham’s music venues are under constant threat, whether from total demolition (See the Save Digbeth project) or the cost of living crisis. It is common knowledge to Midlands music nerds that on UK wide tours, musicians and touring managers often swerve Birmingham all together. I hope this spree of sold out winter shows, hosting some of the UK’s best indie bands, shows just how important a quick detour to the second city really is. The fans are here and they’re ready to listen.
For more from mary in the junkyard
For more from Tummyache
To see more of ThisIsTmrw’s upcoming gigs
If you’re interested in how you can get involved in saving some of Birmingham’s music vennues, check out the Save Our Scene project
Opening the night was American DIY band, Tummyache, helmed by Soren Bryce. Bryce’s diary-like lyrics clash with distorted guitars that buzz with static energy. Facing each other in a triad, each member felt as though they were rooted to the spot, ready to explode with intensity. The result was a raw unfiltered performance with a sound I will definitely be returning to.
Mary in the junkyard, formed of Clari Freeman Taylor (guitar and vocals), Saya Barbaglia (viola and bass) and David Addison (drums) bring a distinctly funky sound to the current indie landscape. Heavy bass driven songs are held together through eccentric song-writing and the delicate trills of the viola. Culminating in brooding, dark fairytale-esque, songs.
On stage however, this combination felt a little dimmed in comparison to the dynamism found on Role Model Hermit. Muted guitars and whispery vocals become washed out by the driving bass and drums. The drawbacks of being a trio that plays multiple instruments, I suppose, is that you can never quite capture that rich fullness of studio layering. If only mary in the junkyard had more limbs!!
Despite this, the atmosphere at mary in the junkyard’s Birmingham headline was amazing. While constant swapping out of bass for viola, guitar for another even rockier guitar, had it’s downsides, it did bring new elements of the songs to the forefront. Tracks like Mantra III held an even eerier tone than the original, the hauning refrain drenced in reverb. Other highlights of the set included their latest single, Jane, and of course New Muscles, which they started with a quick bob and weave boxing routine.
Their show, as well as Man/Woman/Chainsaw’s sold out headline (with more dates added due to demand) highlight the city’s growing desire for the contemporary indie scene. Birmingham’s music venues are under constant threat, whether from total demolition (See the Save Digbeth project) or the cost of living crisis. It is common knowledge to Midlands music nerds that on UK wide tours, musicians and touring managers often swerve Birmingham all together. I hope this spree of sold out winter shows, hosting some of the UK’s best indie bands, shows just how important a quick detour to the second city really is. The fans are here and they’re ready to listen.
Footnotes
For more from mary in the junkyard
For more from Tummyache
To see more of ThisIsTmrw’s upcoming gigs
If you’re interested in how you can get involved in saving some of Birmingham’s music vennues, check out the Save Our Scene project