The revved-up, remarkably catchy garage rockers The Mary Veils were planning on spending this fall out of the spotlight, finishing up their next album, when a call came up: could they play The Fillmore Philly on September 29th to open for Swedish legends The Hives? The answer was a resounding “YES,” and the Philly-based Delco-rooted band paid a visit to WXPN studios this week to warm up for the gig and unveil some new songs.
Founded in 2017 by singer-guitarist Brian von Uff, The Mary Veils feature Justin Mansor on bass, Andrew Mann on guitar and vocals, and Evan Wall on drums and vocals. Their songs nod to the classics, offering easy points of entry for new listeners — sprint along to the barrelling Buzzcocks energy of “Home Video,” which opens this Key Studio Sessions set, or turn up the radio to the new “357,” which could be a Ramones song played at a Stooges pace — but stick around and you’ll notice a vibe to Fishtown circa the 2020s: that spectral vocal texture, the explosive solos that swing from unhinged to precision and back. This is music that can be a little unsettling, a lot gnarly, but always friendly and willing to welcome you in.
The booming “Waiting” is the other one The Mary Veils played in their Key Studio Session, and though the album in the works is as-yet untitled, they hope to have it in the world in 2025. Meanwhile, rage to their Key Studio Session below, and hear these songs and more when The Mary Veils play The Fillmore this weekend; tickets and information can be found at the WXPN Concert Calendar.