Shannon and the Clams/Tropa Magic – Sinclair
Carey Nelson
Shannon and Clams igniting a sold-out crowd at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Boston area music scene has boomed in recent years, providing fans with many new and vibrant venues to enjoy their favorite bands. As my career has progressed, my appreciation for smaller venues has grown. They provide an intimate, personal atmosphere and intimacy between audience and artist that cannot be matched by larger amphitheater performances.
The Sinclair Hotel is located in the heart of Harvard Square, ideally located for concertgoers. The venue can accommodate approximately 525 people, and its thoughtful design ensures that every location has a beautiful view of the stage. There was no photo pit for this show, which was a refreshing change from the usual set-up. It removes the constraints of standards and encourages creative thinking about filming locations, rather than rushing through footage in the limited time allowed in the pit.
Photos Carey Nelson
I started at the railing, alongside a crowd of devoted fans who were patiently waiting for the gates to open, eager to get as close to the stage as possible. The first show of the night was Tropa Magica, a band from East Los Angeles composed of brothers David and Rene Pacheco. Their unique sound blends psychedelic rock, cumbia, and punk music to create an irresistible beat that will keep audiences dancing all night long.
From the opening notes of “LSD Roma” to the trippy psychedelic vibe of “Meme City,” Tropa Magica’s energy is infectious. The unified rhythm, vocals and riffs of “Morena” resonate strongly and showcase their musical prowess. One standout moment was their cover of the Nirvana song “Come as You Are” from the EP smells like cumbia, which also includes another Nirvana song “Love Buzz”. You can also hear them cover Frank Sinatra’s “Misirlou” and “All of Me.” These covers retain the essential elements of Nirvana while being enhanced by Tropa Magica’s unique style.
Tropa Magica proved to be a fantastic opener Shannon and Clamsset the tone for an unforgettable night with their high-energy performances and genre-melting sounds.
Next is Shannon and Clams. The Sinclair Hotel was packed from floor to balcony. The stage’s bleachers are wrapped in vines and lights, creating an ethereal feel. Light tones of dark blue, yellow and red cast a soft glow on the stage, perfectly matching the stage atmosphere. Shannon and Clams.
I only met them recently. It all started when I was asked to do covers for bands, I love getting to know the minds of the musicians I photograph and write about. Listen to their 2024 album The moon is in the wrong place An idea that took me through many genres. They definitely have a ’50s and ’60s rock vibe with a ’70s moment oozing through it.
They were grunge, garage rock/punk. Choose according to the song. But that’s what makes them so unique and unique. They cater to so many different genres that it’s easy for a wide range of music lovers to fall in love with them.
The show kicked off with “I Leave Again” from their 2018 album onion. The setlist showcases a variety of songs including “UFO,” “Mary, Don’t Go” and “Bean Fields,” highlighting their entire catalog. If you peel back the layers of the set, you’ll find the heartbeat of this tour.
Shannon and Clams Been through a lot. In August 2022, Shannon Shaw lost her fiancé, Joe Haener, in a horrific car accident just weeks before her wedding. The whole band felt a sense of loss as they all grew closer to Hana. But in the sadness and grief, there is enlightenment and self-improvement. Shaw began writing music and lyrics to help ease the grieving process. Her bandmates Cody Blanchard (guitar), Will Sprott (keyboards) and Nate Mahan (drums) did the same, eventually coming together to create their latest album , The moon is in the wrong placean emotionally charged album that touches on the process of love, loss, and grief.
Photos Carey Nelson
The entire album is a beautiful love letter and memorial to Hana. From “The Vow,” which was designed to be played at a wedding, to “So Lucky,” which reminds her that there are still bright spots in the darkness. The entire album is a letter from all of them to Hana.
If you attend one of their shows, you’ll find yourself drawn to their music. Beyond their passion for the music they create, they are also looking for a way through the darkness and toward the light. Finding peace in a sad place and knowing that Hana is with them every time they take the stage is something that every fan who attends their shows truly feels.
Shannon and Clams The tour continues until July 27, with plans to resume again in October. Be sure to grab your tickets soon as many shows are already sold out or have very few tickets. Don’t miss your chance to experience their emotional and unforgettable performances.
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