HERE COME THE MUMMIES AT THE WALL STREET THEATER

Local Scene

2021-10-21

HERE COME THE MUMMIES AT THE WALL STREET THEATER

Photos / AMP

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of catching Here Come The Mummies and Yam Yam performing at the audacious Wall Street Theater In Norwalk Ct. This was my first foray to the venue and I was really impressed. Both my brother-in-law, Alan Penner, who accompanied me, and I found the Wall Street Theater the perfect setting to check out a live show. The acoustics were spot on and the room had an intimate feel despite its decent size. Also the staff was friendly and accommodating. Hopefully there will be a feature on the theater in the near future.

Opening band Yam Yam hails from Harrisburg, Pa. It is kind of hard to pigeonhole their sound as they easily crisscross genres, even within a song. I would have to place them in the jazz/fusion category but their musical inflections take them everywhere. You hear jam, a little funk, some rock and roll and a tinge of r&b. Yam Yam cooked up a beautiful musical stew.

Yam Yam features keyboardist Mike Dempsey, guitarist Tom Fuller, drummer Tyler Fuller, bassist Xander Moppin and saxophonist Jason Mescia. The band started with the masterful “Bing Bong” off their self titled album Yam Yam released in 2018. The nine song set was full of impressive moments. “Juice Box” off their newest full length, Double Dippin’ was dynamic with striking rhythmic textures. The flow was exhilarating and highly groove laden. Other tunes that hit the mark were “Frankie”, Outta Pocket” and “Big Bird”. “Not My Dog” was a personal favorite with its whimsical feel and hysterical lyrics. Alan’s dog has cost him a bundle lately and the words just hit me right. Yam Yam closed out with “I’ll Be Right Here”.

Headlining was the funk driven Here Come The Mummies. Amp recently featured HCTM in the Interview section of the website. I knew we were in for a real treat when the band entered the stage with their mummy costumes emblazed in lights in a New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parade fashion. HCTM are rumored to be top session players from Nashville who want to keep their identities secret. They can hide their faces all they want but they can’t disguise their monstrous musicianship and funky prowess.

HCTM played a tenacious 15 song set. The first song was “My Party” which set the tone perfectly for the night. It was bombastic and full of cinematic flair. The ensemble, which is formidable, not only played superbly but engaged the audience with their spectacular showmanship. Every number was an extravaganza with the mummies dancing and swinging to the rhythm. HCTM delivered an exuberant barrage of sonic and visual excitement. The room ate it up. All night the crowd was in a cosmic trance swaying to the kaleidoscope of infectious sound.

There were so many great tunes that spotlighted HCTM‘s musical depth. From the Latin tinged “Ra Ra Ra’ to the snappy “Freak Flag” the room was a buzzin’. Not only are HCTM fun to watch but their lyrics are very tongue-in-cheek which is evident in “Whip It Out” and “She Love Dick”. Throughout the night every member of the band was able to showcase their talent with extended solos. Not one disappointed. Some of the other imposing songs included “Fenk Shui”, “Friction” and “Single Double Triple”.

If ever Here Come The Mummies return to the area, do not hesitate in purchasing a ticket. This is great music and a titanic avalanche of an event.

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