SHANNON AND THE CLAMS/TROPA MAGICA -THE SINCLAIR

SHANNON AND THE CLAMS/TROPA MAGICA -THE SINCLAIR

By Kerri Nelson

Shannon and the Clams fired up a sold-out crowd at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In recent years, the Boston area has flourished with a vibrant music scene, offering numerous new and dynamic venues for fans to enjoy their favorite bands. As my career has progressed, I have developed a growing appreciation for smaller spaces. They provide an intimate, personal atmosphere and a closeness between the audience and the artists that cannot be matched by large amphitheater performances.

The Sinclair, nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, is an ideal, easily accessible location for concertgoers. The venue seats approximately 525 people and its careful 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 taking shots in the limited time allowed in the pit.

Photos by Kerri Nelson

I started off the train next to dedicated fans who were patiently waiting for the doors to open, eager to get as close to the stage as possible. The first act of the evening was Tropa Magica, an East LA band formed by brothers David and Rene Pacheco. Their unique sound combines psychedelic rock, cumbia and punk, creating an irresistible groove that kept the audience dancing the night away.

From the opening notes of 'LSD Roma' to the trippy psychedelic vibes of 'Meme City', Tropa Magica's energy was infectious. The unified rhythms, vocals and riffs of “Morena” resonated powerfully, showcasing their musical prowess. A special moment was their cover of “Come as You Are” by Nirvana, from their EP Smells like Cumbia, which also features another Nirvana track, “Love Buzz”. You can also hear their cover of 'Misirlou' and 'All of Me', a Frank Sinatra cover. These covers retained Nirvana's fundamentals while elevating Tropa Magica's distinctive style.

Tropa Magica proved to be a fantastic opener for Shannon and the Clamssetting the tone for an unforgettable evening with their high-energy performance and genre-bending sound.

It was next Shannon and the Clams. The Sinclair was packed from floor to balcony. The stage was set up with bleachers wrapped in arbors and lights, creating an ethereal feel. Light shades of deep blue, yellow and red cast a soft glow on the stage, perfectly matching the atmosphere 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 I photograph and write about. Listening to their 2024 album The moon is in the wrong place it led me to many thoughts of the genre. They definitely have that 50's and 60's rock vibe, with moments of the 70's creeping in. I could compare them to The Doors, The Cramps, The Growlers, The Black Lips, maybe even The B-52s.

It's rockabilly, garage rock/punk. Choose according to the song. But that's what makes them so special and unique. They cover so many different genres that it's easy for a wide range of music lovers to fall in love with them.

The show opened with “I Leave Again” from their 2018 album Onion. The setlist featured a variety of songs, including “UFO,” “Mary, Don't Go,” and “Bean Fields,” showcasing their entire catalog. If you peel back the layers of the set, you'll discover the heartbeat of this tour.

Shannon and the Clams a lot has passed. In August 2022, Shannon Shaw lost her fiance 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 grief and sorrow, there was enlightenment and self-progress. Shaw began writing music and lyrics to help with the grieving process. Her bandmates Cody Blanchard (Guitar), Will Sprott (Keyboard) and Nate Mahan (Drums) did the same, eventually joining forces to create their latest release. The Moon is in the wrong placean emotionally charged album that touches on love, loss and the grieving process.

Photos by Kerri Nelson

The whole album is a beautiful love letter and memory of Haener. From “The Vow,” written to be played at their wedding, to “So Lucky,” which reminds her that there are still bright spots in the darkness. The whole album is a letter to Haener from all of them.

You will be blown away by their music if you attend one of their shows. Beyond the passion of the music they create, they find their way through darkness and light. Finding peace in a place that often brings sadness and knowing that Haener is with them every time they take the stage, which is honestly felt by every fan who attends their shows.

Shannon and the Clams continue the tour through July 27, with plans to repeat in October. Be sure to buy tickets soon, as many of the shows are sold out or have low ticket numbers. Don't miss the chance to experience their emotionally charged and unforgettable performances.

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