LIVE REVIEW: Momma in Portland, ME (05.16.26)
“In the big stage lights, you look at me, I lose control,“ Momma sang, setting the mood last Saturday night at their first-ever performance in Maine at State Theatre. Their set was part of the inaugural Portland variant of the All Roads Music Festival, a city-wide fest highlighting up-and-coming local and national artists at multiple independent downtown venues.
The California indie rock four-piece filed on stage clad in almost a red and black theme, matching their guitars and providing a visual cohesion that paired with dual lead singers Etta Friedman’s and Allegra Weingarten’s charismatic joint vocals.
Kicking off with the melodic “Last Kiss,“ their harmonic vocal blend decrescendoed into barely a whisper to contrast with the heavy bass riff from Aron Kobayashi Ritch. A true 90s grunge contender, the guitars and vocals were just fuzzy enough.
“Medicine” brought a little bounce with a hooky and twinkling riff and a steady drum beat by Preston Fulks. The clarity in their unison allowed for soft gentleness while flawlessly executing tempo changes.
Radio single, “Bang Bang“ was a constant, driving force that sounded like a softer, slightly poppier Elastica; flashing back to that real nostalgic sound from when alternative radio was getting its feet.
Switching things up, Friedman started solo on vocals and guitar for the scorched “Tall Home.“ A bright melody jangled over rougher vocals, enhancing the pain and emotion.
The playful “Bottle Blonde” had layered breathy, echoing vocal effects that almost left you hanging on a phrase, while the repetition and alliteration added to the dreamscape.
Next up, it was Weingarten’s turn to feature solo, with the pretty and defiant “Brave.“ A softer tone twirled underneath while crystal clean vocals shone above in a moment of vulnerability.
The fast-paced, rhythmic “Cross Your Heart” started with a surging intro before harmonic vocals built up into climactic “oohs.” True indie-darling goodness: the song was instantly catchy and got the crowd moving. Hanging on that feeling, “Ohio All the Time” continued Friedman and Weingarten’s synchronicity with a certain sweetness that floated over the fuzz.
“How to Breathe” slowed things down, with Friedman taking lead. A breakdown at the bridge brought on the swaying as repeated, “She’s the sunrise, send me to her skies” lingered brightly into the ringing intro of “I Want You (Fever).“ There’s a reason the song is the lead single off of last year’s Welcome to My Blue Sky, and that’s because it’s a lot of moving pieces that align perfectly into something fun, catchy, and slightly scandalous.
Doing a quick shot with her fellow frontwoman and “cheers-ing” the crowd, Weingarten took control of “Motorbike,“ a star-crossed, summer love song. Her lyrical phrasing over the raging guitars provided a lighthearted and playful energy.
The stripped-down “Welcome to My Blue Sky” is followed by wispy soprano harmonies ringing out in a delightful pop brightness.
“Rodeo” carried on, and on, and on, and on with two chorus lines rising and falling around each other, matching the layered guitar and staccato drum taps. The quite petite Friedman met Weingarten in the middle for a mini jam session and playfully headbutted her in the chest.
Ending their tight 55-minute set with “Speeding 72,“ Ritch and Friedman swapped places to highlight the bassline. Driving the melodies right to the end, their guitars raged on while they swapped lyrics back and forth in a game of cat and mouse.
Physically, their stage presence is fittingly static, but musically, there’s enough nuance in their tones and rhythms to be dynamic, without the need for showiness. They layer sweet and pretty vocals over heavier riffs and float over rougher topics with an airy breathiness. Their sound is nostalgic yet fresh, captivating enough to be worth seeing if you get the chance.
Featured image by: John Hutchings
