Hello Mary - “Special Treat”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Wolf Alice, Warpaint, Cherry Glazerr

Last year, Hello Mary paired a SXSW visit with the release of their sophomore, self-titled LP, a record that floats between heavy and breezy in what has become the Brooklyn band’s foundational sound. Their melodies are subtly complex, keeping a raw edge that balance slacker fuzziness with sharp songwriting. Continuing a 90s grunge influence and broadening it with airy deviations gives Hello Mary an impression of experimentation while still sounding familiar to new ears. There are these fusion elements, but Hello Mary are also hard-driving rock and roll, blasting power chords on top of a noticeable rhythm section appealing to new and old ears alike. (Kevin McStravick)

2023 Review: Raw garage rock with breezy pop undertones, Hello Mary’s music is low-key catchy even when they are going for a heavy, visceral sound. It harkens back to 90s grunge rock when bands were able to use hooks without ever sounding outright pop. They give off a slacker nonchalance while playing the shit out their music, starting with the dense, grey debut Ginger and a string of broadening singles since. While dark and full musically, Hello Mary do counter that notion with times of airy melodies and vulnerability, an approach that works to bring out the heart of their more shoegaze-leaning segments when Hello Mary are going for broke.