photo by Tom Eberhardt-Smith

photo by Tom Eberhardt-Smith

A concert by The Mammals is healing and inspirational. It’s not only the magic of their combined voices; Ruth Ungar’s remarkably soulful grace and Mike Merenda’s hushed and intimate ease, it’s also the lyrics themselves that strike deep and spark smiles. Nominated for Song of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards, the title track of their 2018 album Sunshiner is an instant full-room sing-along, with a chorus that honors the past while envisioning a bright future of green energy, and good, positive human collaboration.

The band’s quintet lineup features dynamic drummer Konrad Meissner and a rotating inner circle of their favorite bass and organ/piano players. The Mammals joke that they’re “too folk for the rock show” and “too rock for the folk show” but in reality they hit the critical emotional and sonic touchstones of both. Their performances are propelled forward by just the right amount of guitar grit, soothing harmony, barn-burning fiddle, retro grooves, and storytelling savvy. read more…

Come fill my bowl with some rock-n-roll or some fiddler who can play
Very loud or very light, keep us up all night, gonna kiss the break of day…


“The Mammals tell stories that are at once topical and timeless, bearing a message of hope and empowerment with a modern string-band sound.” - FreshGrass Festival 

"Indeed, The Mammals are all heart, and Sunshiner seems to be packed with ideas about how love will yet win over darkness and fear.” - Kim Ruehl, Folk Alley

"Some of the best folk-rock music you will ever hear.” - TapeOp Magazine

"The Mammals are better than ever." - Berkshire Eagle

“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” - LA Weekly