Inhale Mary

at The Middle East Cafe
by Joey Ammo

There is a potent sincerity to the angst-ridden music of Inhale Mary. From the minute their tape started to roll on my deck, I could feel it. They are able to breathe new life into the overworked power-grunge format through the use of uniquely effective drum parts, a bass-heavy bottom, and noisily melodic guitar wash. The vocalist’s wail is a perfect complement to the emotional songs, and an intelligent use of dynamics keeps your attention throughout.

I caught them at the Middle East recently, the first stop on a self-supported tour. When the guitarist accidentally broke his headstock, he decided to finish smashing the instrument to bits on the stage floor in frustration. Hopefully, the next stop will bring better luck for them.