Concert Review: The Mallett Brothers at the State Theater, Portland, Maine

Joanna Gleason
4 days ago
2 min read

The Mallett Brothers Band performed at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, on December 6, 2025. Led by brothers Luke and Will Mallett (guitars, vocals) as core members, alongside Nick Leen (bass), Andrew Martelle (fiddle, piano, mandolin), and Brian Higgins (drums percussion), the country-rock band known for their energetic live shows was terrific. Playing in their own town where the group was formed in 2009, the Mallett Brothers Band had a simple goal that night: Play one of their best live shows in front of an audience that helped them reaching the heart of millions fans from across America, and more inside of a venue where the 2020 album was recorded during their 10th- anniversary show in October 2019 .

At 8:00 p.m. The Mallett Brothers hit the stage. The venue was on fire. The sold-out show brought people from everywhere in New England (Boston, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine). Fueled by thrusting, searing solo bursts on lead guitar and pounding rhythm with lead vocals, The Mallett Brothers created an atmosphere of joy and exultation at the State Theatre in Maine. Fans wearing black T-shirts with the logo of the band stood in front of the stage. They were singing, dancing, and repeating the words from each song.

The repertoire in Maine included many songs such as Edgartown, Seville, Last Man, Hey Old Friend, alongside originals like “Vive l’Acadie”. Their music blends country, Americana, and roots rock, with popular tracks also featuring on albums like Lights Along the River and Higher Up in the Hills. The Mallett Brothers’ album “Lights along the River” is a worldwide success; which helped the band to develop a strong following and gain a solid reputation.

Originally from Portland, Maine, these natives of The Pine Tree State have created their album “Lights along the River” as pure and natural as the lakeside setting in which these songs were recorded.

The Mallett Brothers have polished their sound proficiently over the years, and their last performance in Portland had shown an ideal example of this evolution. Luke’s vocals are passionate and gritty, and the chorus is downright infectious. Their distinct fusion of Country and Alternative pays off gratifyingly, and the horizons only broaden as the music goes on.

What a terrific show! Thank you, Luke, Will and thanks to all the musicians of The Mallett Brothers for playing this amusing concert at the State Theatre in Portland. Having been together for more than 15 years, The Mallett Brothers Band is great. Their performance in Maine demonstrated why the group is one of the best Bluegrass and rock music bands in New England and across America.