Harmonious Chemistry: MAMALARKY Opens for HINDS at Aladdin Theater
Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton
On March 29th, the Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, was buzzing with excitement as MAMALARKY took the stage to open for Hinds. The tri-coastal indie rock quartet, consisting of Livvy Bennett, Noor Khan, Michael Hunter, and Dylan Hill, delivered a captivating performance that left the audience in awe. The chemistry between best friends Livvy Bennett (main singer) and Noor Khan (bassist) was palpable, their matching long mullet hairstyles—one blonde and one brunette—creating a striking visual harmony that mirrored the synergy of their music. Their set was a delightful mix of sonic left turns and playful genre implosions, showcasing tracks from their upcoming album, Hex Key, set to release on April 11th.
The crowd was a diverse mix of ages, but it was the young girls who stood out, particularly the one standing next to me. About ten years old and attending her first concert, she was mesmerized by the performance. When MAMALARKY’s set ended, she turned to her dad and exclaimed, “Wow, that bassist was so cool, Dad! I want to learn to play like her.” It was a heartwarming moment that highlighted the band’s ability to inspire the next generation of musicians.
MAMALARKY’s setlist included their latest single, “#1 Best of All Time,” which has been receiving rave reviews from the New York Times, Brooklyn Vegan, Stereogum, and Paste Magazine. The band’s performance was a testament to their dedication and hard work, having spent entire seasons hunched over guitars and obscure synthesizers in their Los Angeles home studio. The songs from Hex Key are a document of perseverance, capturing the tension between anguish and resilience, and the band’s live performance brought these themes to life with an effervescent energy.
As the night progressed, it became clear that MAMALARKY’s music is not just about the notes and rhythms, but about the emotions and stories behind them. Their performance at the Aladdin Theater was a perfect prelude to Hinds, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of indie rock. The band’s ability to connect with the audience, both young and old, is a testament to their talent and the bright future that lies ahead for them.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.