Well, hello spur of the moment decision! I am reviewing Mardelay, a local Indianapolis band that contains my friend, Mo (alias Emily Richardson), in the capacity of Cello/Keys/Backing Vocals.

I caught up with them on Saturday night at the Mine Shaft in Broadripple, but…let’s rewind to a more distant past momentarily. To Birdy’s.

Birdy’s Nightclub, a mile-ish distance from the Broadripple strip has a creeping decoration of wall-to-wall band flyers, posters, stickers, and other memorabilia. It is a place for a band to come and cut their proverbial teeth, giving local bands an opportunity to share the stage with rising national acts, and to perform in the shadow of famous after-hours appearances including Prince.

The high stage sits in an isolated corner of the room, no less than 16 ft. away from the tall tables and chairs that line the back wall between the back door and the bar. A balcony overlooks this expansive, mostly unused, dance floor from the far side of the room. There are vacant pool tables in well-lit back rooms.

Mardelay played their second set of the evening, the first being at another small local place. Their singer had strep throat or something of that nature.

Even so, their performance was practiced and dignified. Opening unexpectedly with a guitar/cello duet with a primacy on vocals, the band quickly silenced the surrounding chatter and replaced it with a melodic intro.

As the other band members meandered casually onto the stage, their instruments added to the mix, eventually providing a full-fledged onslaught of overdriven sound. I was surprised and pleased to see the incorporation of keyboard on a few songs, as well as background vocals on several tracks.

Although the grace of this introduction song was not quite captured again, the band’s sound seemed to be very deliberate in its style and presentation. The members obviously have been working hard together, and their ability to take cues from each-other on stage was apparent.

Mardelay’s EP release is expected this July. Check them out!