Nick Cline
Jul 17, 2025
Live on Long Island is electrifying from start to finish, immersing you in Bad Mary’s vibrant live sound.
Bad Mary is a glam-punk quartet based in New York, known for their electrifying and raw sound. The power emanating from their amps and vocals is both impressive and unforgettable. With a mission to infuse high energy into their live performances, which they consider the core of their sound and presence, they were inspired to create a live album. This decision led to their latest release, Live on Long Island.
Live on Long Island is electrifying from start to finish, immersing you in their vibrant live sound. You can feel the energy, emotion, and raw power of their music and personality with each passing second. The beautiful chaos that punk bands bring to their sonic landscapes, both live and in the studio, is captured excellently in this album.
Creating a truly captivating experience, from live recording to streaming, can be daunting—a challenge many bands, regardless of popularity, struggle with. However, the fascinating aspect of Bad Mary is that this live album flows seamlessly, resembling a true live performance. There’s no unnecessary banter or forced energy; instead, it features a continuous energy that feels authentic. My favorite aspect of this album is its seamless flow within each track, which is particularly significant to me.
I could go on about the raw energy the album exudes, but I think it’s better to elaborate on my thoughts.
The album opens with 'Soapbox.' The first sound you hear is the feedback from the guitars, a perfect method for building suspense without uttering a single word. This technique, often used in punk, hard rock, and other high-energy genres, creates dissonance and anticipation in a live setting. The feedback transitions into the band crashing into the song, delivering an immediate burst of raw power and energy. The faint whispers of the crowd are woven into the recording, becoming part of the song’s identity, felt but somewhat lost amidst the wailing guitars, pounding rhythms, and screeching vocals. This blend is both beautiful and chaotic.
As the album progresses, each track twists and turns, with the energy building and breathing like a living entity. This dynamic is the highlight for me when listening to the album.
The live mixing is superb, featuring numerous intense moments that enhance the overall sound without detracting from it. The clarity of the music, vocals, and banter is impressive; the album knows precisely what it wants to be.
What I admire most about the band and the album is the flow and presence that captures the punk energy and vibe of New York. Bad Mary is reminiscent of iconic bands of the past, and their ability to control the landscapes of their live shows translates exceptionally well to recording and streaming. I highly recommend this album to anyone looking to add high-energy glam-punk to their playlist. The album is a cohesive entity—a living, breathing force.
Go stream it now.
To learn more about Bad Mary:
Website:
Bad Mary | The Official site of Bad Mary
Facebook:
Instagram:
Bad Mary - NY Glam Punk (@badmaryband) • Instagram photos and videos
YouTube:
Spotify:
Apple Music:
Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun, and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.