In a special Free at Noon double header, Momma got the crowd warmed up with an electrifying performance. Gracing the city of Philadelphia for the very first time, the cacophony of noise generated on the stage commanded the attention of the crowd.
Fronted by Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten, who formed the group in high school, their heavily distorted sound is reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins, whose song “Hummer” is referenced in their song “Rockstar” from upcoming album Household Name, out July 1 on Polyvinyl.
Their performance of “Rockstar” was a wonderful tribute to growing up and wishing you were on stage with the classic rock icons you were raised on. Starting with a dense feedback intro, the first verses detail the process of forming a band, taking the audience through the rotating cast of musicians (especially drummers) they went through.
Starting their short set off with “Motor Bike,” Weingarten chugged to kick the Momma train into gear, and as they slammed down chords, the song seemed to fly by. With a quick instrument switch, bassist Aron Kobayashi Ritch took the guitar for the song “Medicine.” Drummer, , tucked behind the wall of sound, was putting on a show of his own. Especially on their third song “Lucky,” where he was accenting every few beats with a fancy little high hat move.
Momma is having a busy late summer/ fall with some shows coming up in the Philly area. First, on August 17, they will open for Snail Mail at Stony Pony in Asbury Park; then on October 7, they will be at Johnny Brenda’s. But if you’re itching for more Momma, HouseholdName comes out July 1. Listen back to their Free at Noon performance and check out a photo gallery below.