Bad Mary

New York's Bad Mary were not exactly well known by the end of 2015 – even by internet standards – but they already had an enjoyable album and potentially brilliant EP to their credit and had worked phenomenally hard at building a grass roots following. For the female-fronted punk-pop/hard rockers, the world was still very much theirs for the taking.

While their third release, 2016's 'We Could Have Saved The World' might not be as edgy as The Distillers or as energetic as Tilt, in terms of radio friendliness, Bad Mary have a great deal working in their favour. Guitarist David Henderson knows how to work a riff for melodic impact without losing any spark and vocalist Amanda Mac has a great voice. From the ground up on these six songs, the band displays a potent mix of accessible melodies and sharp riffs, while their ability to temper their punky moments with tough hard rock should be enough to reach out to at least two different fan bases.

Beginning with the kind of riff that ruled the punk-pop world in the mid-90s, 'Creeper' recounts a messy break up and a stalker, a tale retold with a huge and sneery posture. Amanda's natural style collides with a New York attitude, abetted by a pogo-friendly verse powered by Mike Staub's tough, rattling bass work. It then takes an odd move, slowing down into the chorus to make room for a couple of lead guitar flourishes, but this collision of the two styles works and is something that's clearly important to the band. Mixing the punk with a little rock and a counter-vocal, it soon becomes a number that has a little of everything, yet without feeling forced or cluttered. That's a good start, but things are about to get a whole lot better. The EP's stand out, 'Marz Attaqx' works a terrific stop-start riff to kickstart a wacky tale of human destruction via alien invasion. As the tune progresses, the tightness within the band becomes very obvious and everything comes together excellently. By the time the stop-start verses eventually morph into melodic punk with a bouncing edge, Mac's voice really comes into its own...and for fans of bands like City Mouse and The Nuts, this is required listening.

Slowing down, 'Trouble' is a number more of the swaggering hard rock variety, with a meaty chord progression and a quasi-glam stomp providing the bulk of the tune. This allows drummer Bill Mac room enough to show off a heavy hitting style in addition to throwing in a couple of percussive quirks, while Amanda reaches for the higher end of her vocal range. It's the guitars that win out, however, with constantly tough grooves and an eventual careening solo that wouldn't be out of place on a Velvet Revolver disc. In fact, there's a lot about this enjoyable tune that's reminiscent of Duff McKagan's Loaded – at least musically – so that's no bad thing. In even more of an unexpected turn, the (almost) ballad 'Cloud 9' features an opening chord progression that sounds as if it could slip into U2's 'All I Want Is You' at any given second. Before too long, though, it very much takes on its own identity with tough chords and a slow beat, driven by Bill's heavy drum sound. Taking in some great bass work and another hard rock solo along the way, it has a little of everything for that all-round appeal, but the number truly belongs to Amanda, working the lyric with a pleasing crying edge to her voice. It's let down somewhat by an overly repetitive hook, but overall, it's brimming with good intentions.

Moving back into upbeat sounds. 'Meanwhile' hits hard with fast riffs and a fun atmosphere, as Bad Mary channel more influence from Tilt and City Mouse on their most traditionally punky workout this time around. As basic as it might be, it's also one of the EP's most enjoyable tracks, especially when allowing for the fact it's got “live set belter” carved deep into its core. Taking cues from an older New York punk aesthetic, 'When You Think of Me' mixes up punky edges with some tough hard rock guitars, leading to a trashy sound that's drenched in attitude. Although more melodic than 'Meanwhile', it doesn't really add much new, but it's still a great showcase for the band – and again, makes Amanda's natural talents more than obvious.

Overall, there's very little that could be called filler on this handy sized and easily digestible six tracker, with all of the material ranging between sounding good to very good, often in favour of the latter. Their Police cover (as heard on the previous release 'Killing Dinosaurs') trumps the lot, of course, which might suggest that Bad Mary still have some fine-tuning to do before they're able to take on Paramore and their ilk in the big leagues, but even so, 'We Could Have Saved The World' offers plenty to enjoy. - RealGoneRocks.com

Amanda Mac’s vocals build off of the work of The Donnas, X, and the B-52s, while the rest of the band provide a punk-infused backdrop upon which they can shine.
The Killing Dinosaurs EP begins with Soapbox, a song that is set by the sheer insistence of Amanda’s vocals. Want What I Want starts off with a stylistic homage to the 1993 Smashing Pumpkins track Cherub Rock before begin spun off into a wholly different direction. The act crafts their own format of pop-punk with enough fuzz, distortion, and splashiness that ensures that the EP’s 13 minute runtime comes and goes in the blink of an eye. There is a cohesion to Killing Dinosaurs that is rarely heard in punk music; the cohesion of this release is reminiscent of the seminal Screeching Weasel album, Boogadaboogadaboogada.
Bad Mary puts their own spin on 1978’s Next to You (The Police); the sharp guitar licks and mid-track breakdown allow Bad Mary the opportunity to show off their chops. The ratcheting of Killing Dinosaurs’ momentum back to 100 has a vital benefit – aside from letting listeners breathe, it provides further emphasis to the EP’s final one-two punch. Sucks to Be You has a delightful call and response; the guitar/drum dynamic really imbues a late seventies / early eighties sound to Bad Mary.
One More Song in the concluding statement on Killing Dinosaurs, providing listeners with an effort that sounds right out of the Lookout Records playbook. Bad Mary is able to have polished guitars, punchy drums, and a hooky set of vocals that will impress fans of early Green Day or 7 Seconds.
Top Tracks: Want What I Want, Sucks to Be You - James McQuiston - NeuFutur Magazine

Bad Mary is back with their third release, We Could Have Saved The World, a 6-track EP that could make the punk rockers a household name in the Big Apple’s punk rock scene. The last time we heard from them, Bad Mary was Killing Dinosaurs on their sophomore release with a high-octane brand of guitar thrashing that blew our minds. This time around, the band continues to pound our ears with their unique brand of rock-and-roll that will prove to you that Bad Mary is no fluke.
 
If you’re a fan of awesome musicianship, great vocals, and candid lyrics, then you’re going to love the uninhibited sound that lives between the grooves on We Could Have Saved The World. The reckless and aggressive nature in which Bad Mary approaches songs like “Creeper”and “Marz Attaqx will push your adrenaline sky high if you’re a punk rock fan. But, songs like“Trouble” and “Cloud 9” go off the band’s traditionally punk rock path, to deliver a more mainstream rock feel that could introduce a whole new group of fans to Bad Mary’s music. Of all the songs on the EP, my favorite track is “Trouble” because the melodies, vocals, and music come together in ways that I’ve never heard Bad Mary. As earlier stated, there’s a mainstream rock sound to this track that allows us to connect with the breadth of the band’s overall influences, giving the listener a newfound level of respect for the Bad Mary’s creative talents. “Trouble” is a must-hear track for anyone who loves artists like Pink.
 
Overall, Bad Mary has done a bang-up job with We Could Have Saved The World, erasing any potential for doubt about their ability to consistently crank out great rock/punk music. You need to make room in your daily playlists for this New York City band because, they belong there! Make sure you visit their iTunes page and download We Could Have Saved The World, today so you’re not on the outside looking in when Bad Mary becomes a massive success. - Shaine Freeman – The Miews

When presented with a band name like Bad Mary mischievous thoughts of course spring up as well as hopes that they have a sound to back up the devilish allure of their name. The Long Island quartet has that and more on the evidence of new EP Killing Dinosaurs. It is six highly flavoursome and raucous slices of punk ‘n’ roll unafraid to be as pop catchy as they are belligerently irritable. It is steeped in seventies punk and power pop with the attitude and tenacity of modern rock ‘n’ roll, and quite irresistible.

Bad Mary’s beginnings sprung in 2010 from the regular happening of Hofstra University’s professor of drama and guitarist David Henderson putting a band together with students each semester to play a bunch of covers. At this moment in time vocalist Amanda Mac and bassist/vocalist Mike Staub were the students who became involved, with a time of turnover in drummers ending with Amanda’s dad and veteran drummer Bill Mac joining the band. Playing songs from favourite new wave and punk artists from several eras, initially as Madame X, Bad Mary was officially launched in 2012, and through each member’s individual love of punk and rock from different decades, the band’s own sound grew and blossomed. Debut album Better Days was the first offering, a 2014 release going on to garner three first-round ballot Grammy nominations, success matched by their live presence and their songs luring media and radio attention on both sides of the pond.

With inspirations ranging from The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and Motorhead to The Tom Robinson Band, The Police, Blondie, and Green Day amongst many, the band’s new EP is a non-stop stomp that growls as it invites, bullies as it sets ears and imagination alight. Recorded with producer/engineer Matt Storm and assistant engineer Francisco Boteroat Studio G in Brooklyn, Killing Dinosaurs gets straight to the point with opener Soapbox. Amanda leads the confrontation from the off, her potent tones the first touch and fiery guitars around rampant rhythms the next. It is an infectious and grouchy start with the growl of bass alone a brooding impossible to resist temptation as the guitars release their similarly enticing caustic flames. The backing roars of Mike brings a fiercer texture to compliment the intimidatingly tantalising tones of Amanda whilst more metal bred hues add to the overall brawl of the excellent start to the EP.

Whereas the first track has a presence crossing years, the following Want What I Want carries a great old school punk character, strolling with a swagger which is part Vice Squad and part The Objex. The bass of Mike again captivates with its heavy swagger whilst David weaves a hook lined web of enterprise part venom part flirtation as Bill slaps the listeners’ proverbial cheeks around. Eclipsing its predecessor, it too is shaded a touch by next up Hanging Around, a boisterous canter carrying the glam rock of Sweet, the mischievous pop punk of the Rezillos, and the rapacious virulence of dragSTER. The track steals the show, leaving an already strong appetite greedier and already by this time an exhausted body more wasted but energised.

Next to You swings in next with a similar swagger and nature whilst delving into more classic heavy rock enterprise with a tasty scent of early No Doubt punk pop to it too. Again physical involvement is a given as it spins its lures, a success emulated by the X-Ray Spex meets The Avengers like Sucks to Be You, another rousing middle finger of word and energy.

Killing Dinosaurs is completed by One More Song, a compelling mix of fifties rock ‘n’ roll and sixties pop embroiled in power pop/punk rock imagination and dexterity. It is an infectious end to an increasingly enjoyable encounter; a collusion of old school and twenty first century punk ‘n’ roll to lift emotions from the doldrums and bodies into feverish participation.
The Killing Dinosaurs EP is out now - Pete RingMaster

One listen to Long Island-based punk rock outfit Bad Mary and you quickly realize this is a group that does things their own way. Formed in 2012, Bad Mary did not take the usual path in coming together as a band. A multi-generational four piece consisting of Amanda Mac, Mike Staub, Bill Mac and David Henderson, Bad Mary began when David, a professor at Hofstra University, and students Mike and Amanda joined forces in what was to be a semester long experience. Realizing they were onto something special but in need of a drummer, the trio recruited Amanda’s dad, Bill Mac, and Bad Mary was born. What began with something as simple as playing covers in local clubs soon morphed into the kind of success that saw them performing as part of the 2015 Warped Tour. Fresh off the buzz of last year’s Killing Dinosaurs, Bad Mary’s latest release, the six track EP We Could Have Saved the World, is available now.
We Could Have Saved the World opens with “Creeper.” When someone calls themselves a punk band, the expectation is that the music will be loud, fast and generally banging, and Bad Mary wastes zero time kicking ass right out of the gate with this quick hitting track. The punk comes screaming through as lead singer Amanda Mac demands that you “Get out of my way, I’m gonna do what I want/You can’t stop me cause I’m already gone.” With unapologetic attitude, raw vocals, and driving drums and guitars, “Creeper” immediately sets the bar high. But We Could Have Saved the World continues to deliver with “Marz Attaqz,” another high energy, punch you in the face and run style song that makes fun of our current culture and whose lyrics provided the title for this release. Anyone who is sick of current society will love and appreciate the cheekiness of “Marz Attaqz” as its lyrics tell the tale of being so caught up in our own overinflated sense of self-importance that we would not even notice something as epic as an alien attack. Anthemic, aggressive and hilarious, it’s sure to be a hit with audiences, especially during a live performance.
The mid-way point of We Could Have Saved the World sees Bad Mary changing things up a bit and giving listeners a feel for just how much they’ve grown over the last couple of years. “Trouble” starts at a slower tempo then the previous two tracks and has a slightly less punk rock feel to it, but it also allows Amanda an opportunity to show her vocal versatility a bit by entering a higher range and using a slightly different delivery. A percussion heavy track that also includes a decent guitar solo, “Trouble” is probably the song with the most potential for mainstream appeal. “Cloud 9” is a track that might leave listeners scratching their heads as it goes in a couple of different directions with both vocals and tempo. The first half or so allows Amanda to pull off a more sultry performance reminiscent of Joan Jett on “Crimson and Clover” before she opens up the pipes to bring it full circle.
We Could Have Saved the World begins to wrap up with “Meanwhile.” Returning to the punchy punk rock tempo, “Meanwhile” is another track that wakes you up with a bang. Perhaps that is the point since this song is about the world falling apart while people are too wrapped up in their own lives to notice. Whatever the case, “Meanwhile” consists of everything that makes Bad Mary strong and you can envision them tearing up the stage performing this live. We Could Have Saved the World closes as strongly as it opened with the guitar riffs and drum lines on “When You Think of Me.” With lyrics such as “When you look at me/If you look at me/Don’t look at me like that,” “When You Think of Me” is the perfect culmination of indie punk rock in sound and lyrics that boldly tells listeners not to be judgmental towards others. It is a tightly put together track that demonstrates just how well the members of Bad Mary work together.
Punk is a musical style especially driven by its beat and on We Could Have Saved the World, Bad Mary doesn’t miss one. Supported by guitar playing that conjures up memories of Sid Vicious, drum work in the spirit of Bill Stevenson and powerful high energy lead vocals from Amanda Mac, Bad Mary comes together as a punk rock band that more than holds its own. With two previous releases under its belt, Bad Mary shows remarkable growth as a band on We Could Have Saved the World while staying true to who they are musically. If you’ve been searching for a current punk rock band, check out Bad Mary and their latest EP We Could Have Saved the World. - IndieMinded

Another great, raw, female-fronted band from New York City. Only this time the quartet is totally aggressive 70s punk. Think HBO's Vinyl, with a pretty but powerful vocal edge from lead vocalist Amanda Mac. - Philadelphia Metro