Van Mary - “Connie Converse”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Courtney Barnett, Anna Burch, Heartless Bastards

While sparingly releasing a rotating set of introductory singles, Van Mary doesn’t miss a note within their emotive, alt country tomes. Mixing in some grungy rock density a la Lucinda Williams, Van Mary sound both heavy and warm on most recent singles “Hug” and “Connie Converse”. Vulnerable songwriting and sweet Americana hooks intermingle with some soulful, loose horn jams sprinkled on top with “Hug” - Van Mary’s immersive approach is quickly infatuating and makes for memorable singles that appeal to indie rock and Southern comforted ears alike. (Kevin McStravick)  

2020 Review: Premiering with a dreamy, breezy single about an abortion, Van Mary fully welcome the listener into singer-songwriter Emily Whetstone’s dichotic world. Combining personal songwriting and relatively catchy alt/bedroom rock tones gives their music heavy heart with some hooky musical levity; Van Mary’s songs have unexpected depth within a grunge genre. The Austin quartet only have two singles out so far including the aforementioned “New Mexico”, a song engrained with some alt country loneliness before bursting out a psych rock jam by its end.