Read previous – ADDIE debut LP and tour announcement
This one will go down as one of my most memorable shows of all time. Among those reasons is headliner ADDIE, the musical project of Boston-based singer-songwriter Adeline Vamenta. FYI, I had a chance to speak with Vamenta a few weeks before the show – you can read more about that conversation here. If you’re a follower of Rockin’ The ‘Burbs, you’ll know ADDIE is right up our alley. If you’re unfamiliar, get acquainted with her just released debut LP Crater Lake (stream below) and/or give a listen to the track “Drive Slow“.
I was ecstatic when presented the opportunity to book an ADDIE tour date at the recently re-opened Flemington DIY (in its new location on Stangl Road). I’m really proud of the lineup we put together for this show, especially considering this is the first one I’ve ever booked. Starting off the night was Sofia Devitt, a super talented singer-songwriter based out of the Philly ‘burbs/Bucks area. Performing solo with her Paisley Telecaster and loop station, she gives off Stevie Nicks meets Phoebe Bridgers vibes. I haven’t been able to locate any full recordings of her originals, but you can check out some clips on her TikTok (including the song “Second Chances“).
Next up was was the debut performance of Mango Core. They’re a band of sisters whose original songs lean indie with “occasional Midwest emo riffage”. For their first show, they sounded tight and blew off the roof with their originals and covers (including a cover of beabadoobee’s “Talk“). Singer/guitarist Gemma Lopena shreds on guitar while obliterating the object of her loathing on the track “My Everything Bagels are Moldy”. If you missed their set, you can catch them when they play Flemington DIY again on 8/6 (along with Cats On Film and C.J. Red Mouth).
I only recently discovered Machinery of the Human Heart after the release of their debut single “Jesus on the Telephone” on bandcamp. I’m a huge fan of their brand of theatrical piano pop and I knew I wanted them in this lineup. Performing solo on digital piano, Marvin Ciminnisi performed songs from his upcoming debut LP titled Surgery. I genuinely shed a tear during their performance of “Your Surgeon Is Human, Too“, which Ciminnisi dedicated to the memory of his dog. I’m definitely looking forward to the release of their debut LP.
ADDIE’s show at Flemington DIY was the 2nd to last of their brief tour, which had already brought them through venues in New England, Brooklyn, Philly, Baltimore, and DC. They performed songs from their debut LP including “Crater Lake“, “Sweating Through My Shirt“, “Crush Me“, and “All The Sun“, as well as their 2018 single “Drive Slow“. They also delighted with a cover of Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold”. The band’s vibes and chemistry were so great, I was grinning ear to ear for the entirety of their set. Not to mention, the overall atmosphere at the venue just felt really special – there were a number of young concertgoers in the crowd for whom I’m pretty sure this show will live on as a core memory. At the end of the night, I just felt so lucky and honored to host such a talented group of musicians. I can’t wait to do this again!
Keep scrolling below to see more photos from the show. And, while you’re at it, please give us a follow on our Instagram page.
