SHANNON AND THE CLAMS/TROPA MAGICA -THE SINCLAIR
Shannon and the Clams set a sold-out crowd ablaze at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In recent years, the Boston area has thrived with a vibrant music scene, offering numerous new and dynamic venues for fans to enjoy their favorite bands. As my career has progressed, I’ve developed a growing appreciation for smaller venues. They provide an intimate, personal atmosphere and a closeness between the audience and artists that large amphitheater shows can’t match.
The Sinclair, nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, is an ideal location, easily accessible for concertgoers. The venue accommodates about 525 people, and its thoughtful design ensures that every spot offers a great view of the stage. For this show, there was no photo pit, which was a refreshing change from the usual setup. It removed the standard constraints and encouraged creative thinking about shooting locations, rather than the typical rush of capturing shots in the limited time allowed in the pit.
I started at the rail alongside dedicated fans who had patiently waited for the doors to open, eager to get as close to the stage as possible. The first act of the night was Tropa Magica, a band from East LA formed by brothers David and Rene Pacheco. Their unique sound blends psychedelic rock, cumbia, and punk, creating an irresistible groove that had the audience dancing throughout the night.
From the opening notes of “LSD Roma” to the trippy psychedelic vibes of “Meme City,” Tropa Magica’s energy was infectious. The unified beats, vocals, and riffs of “Morena” resonated powerfully, showcasing their musical prowess. A standout moment was their cover of Nirvana’s “Come as You Are,” from their EP Smells Like Cumbia, which also features another Nirvana track, “Love Buzz.” You can also hear their rendition of “Misirlou” and “All of Me,” a Frank Sinatra cover. These covers retained the foundational elements of Nirvana while being elevated by Tropa Magica’s distinctive style.
Tropa Magica proved to be a fantastic opener for Shannon and the Clams, setting the tone for an unforgettable night with their high-energy performance and genre-blending sound.
Next up was Shannon and the Clams. The Sinclair was packed from the floor to the balcony. The stage was set with stands wrapped in vines and lights, creating an ethereal feel. The light hues of deep blues, yellows, and reds cast a soft glow on the stage, perfectly matching the vibe of Shannon and the Clams.
My introduction to them was recent. It started when I was asked to cover the band, and I like to have an idea of the musicians that I photograph and write about. Listening to their 2024 album The Moon Is In The Wrong Place took me through many genre thoughts. They definitely have that 50s and 60s rock vibe, with moments of the 70s creeping in. I could compare them to The Doors, The Cramps, The Growlers, The Black Lips, maybe even the B-52s.
They are rockabilly, garage rock/punk. Take your pick depending on the song. But that is what makes them so distinct and unique. They cater to so many different genres that it’s easy for a wide range of music enthusiasts to fall in love with them.
The show kicked off with “I Leave Again” from their 2018 album Onion. The setlist showcased a variety of songs, including “UFO,” “Mary, Don’t Go,” and “Bean Fields,” highlighting their entire catalog. If you peel back the layers of the set, you will discover the heartbeat of this tour.
Shannon and the Clams have been through a lot. In August 2022, Shannon Shaw lost her fiancé Joe Haener in a terrible car accident weeks before their wedding. It was a loss felt by the entire band as they had all grown close to Haener. But through sadness and grief, there was enlightenment and self-progress. Shaw began to write music and lyrics to help with the process of grief. Her bandmates Cody Blanchard (Guitar), Will Sprott (Keyboard), and Nate Mahan (Drums) were doing the same, eventually coming together to create their most recent release, The Moon is In the Wrong Place, an emotionally charged album touching on love, loss, and the process of grief.
The entire album is a beautiful love letter and remembrance of Haener. From “The Vow,” which was written to be played at their wedding, to “So Lucky,” which reminds her that there are still bright spots in the darkness. The entire album is a letter to Haener from all of them.
You will find yourself entranced by their music if you catch one of their shows. Beyond the passion of the music they are creating, they are finding their way through the darkness and into the light. Finding peace in what is often a place of sadness and knowing that Haener is with them every time they hit the stage, which is honestly felt through every fan that attends their shows.
Shannon and the Clams continue to tour through July 27th, with plans to pick up again in October. Make sure to grab tickets soon, as many of the shows have sold out or have low ticket counts. Don’t miss the chance to experience their emotionally charged and unforgettable performances.
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