Mammal have been touring extensively across Australia putting on high energy shows and wowing audiences. Their touring workload is enough to make the average band cringe, but their explosive live set is as high energy and entertaing as you’d ever see. Not on this night though, which was a shame as it had importance. Thier debut album, The Majority has been released and this was the Adelaide hello.
Isle of Capri opened the night’s proceedings with some strong progressive Aussie rock that seems to be earning a modest fan base. Poetikool Justice are becoming regulars for those of us who check out the Adelaide music scene. Getting better with every listen, this is a band with clear tunes and an opportunity to fine tune their craft and get the crowd moving.
The upstairs area of Enigma Bar was now suitably warmed up and this big bland room was becoming eager to see a Mammal explosion. Zeke was lurking on stage and we’d all started expecting the unexpected. What would it be this time? A return of the mirror ball hat? Some full body paint? Maybe not an animal this time, maybe he’ll be an alien? Will he undress and dance round in his undies? Something new? Maybe the boys had been to the showbag stands at the Royal Adelaide Show and he’d appear in full David Hassellhoff costume? I was excited and couldn’t wait to be entertained.
The set included a lot of numbers familiar with people who’ve previously discovered this great live act and some newies from their debut album. The album tracks were the obvious focus and their cult/anthem like song, Think, was performed early on, seemingly to get it out of the way. The boys then powered on through what’s becoming a fatter catalogue of tracks. The new title track has legs and deserves further listening to. Overall, the sound is consistent, there are more lyrics with depth and it has a contagious fun to it all.
These guys could be at the crossroads. They have a following, a great sound, an awesome live act, lyrics that stand up and now an album. TripleJ is starting to play them. Lots of us care. If you care, support Mammal, buy their album or, as Zeke said Friday night, ‘doesn’t matter where you get it, download it. Just listen to it’.
