Concert Review: THE MALLETT BROTHERS AT SOUNDCHECK STUDIOS

On Saturday May 3, 2025, Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA, welcomed the Mallett Brothers. An independent country Rock and Roll Band from Maine, the group is self-described as a Rock and Roll Band with a fiddle.

Opening for the Mallett Brothers are The Reckoners. A Boston-based all-star music group assembled by guitar player Johnny Trama, the group features some of the top players in the Boston music scene. Leading the group is the great Tim Gearan on vocals and guitar, cohabiting with the guitarist Johnny Trama. Other members included Tom Arey on drums, Marc Hickox on bass, and Darby Wolf on Keyboards.

At Soundcheck Studios, The Reckoners were fantastic. Playing homage to the roots of early soul and classic rock, their songs and vibe made the audience so excited to be part of something new and original yet completely familiar.

At 9:30 p.m. The Mallett Brothers came on stage. Formed in 2009 in Portland with brothers Luke and Will Mallett as founder members, the group has a unique blend of Bluegrass and rock music with an amazing fiddle player.

The band is fronted by two brothers, Luke Mallett (vocals, guitar), and Will Mallett (electric, acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals). They were joined by Nick Leen (bass), Andrew Martelle (fiddle, synth, and backup vocals), Brian Higgins (drums, percussion, backup vocals).

Fueled by thrusting, searing solo bursts on lead guitar and pounding rhythm with lead vocals, The Mallett Brothers usually created an atmosphere of joy and exultation for their audience. Their album “Lights Along The River” had a worldwide success, which helped the band to develop a strong following, and gain a solid reputation.

Songs such as Don’t Mind the Morning, Too Much Trouble, Take it Slow, Different Time, Headed Home, Walk Down the River, Different Time, Buffalo, Last Man Standing, Don’t Need You, were among those songs produced by The Mallett Brothers. Having been together for more than 15 years, they are just great. Their performance in Pembroke demonstrated once again why the group is one of the best Bluegrass and rock music bands in New England.