Olivia Mancini & the Mates
On the one hand, you never know what you’re going to get from Olivia Mancini & the Mates. You could see a three-piece. You could see a sextet. You might have to bring your earplugs. Or you might be able hear a pin drop while Olivia and the gang perform their songs on acoustic guitars and kazoos.
But in a few constants you can rely. Catchy, sing-a-long songs. Upbeat, energetic “happy to be alive” performances. Big grins. On their faces, definitely–and probably on yours.
Typically comprised of Olivia Mancini (guitar, vocals), Ed Donohue (guitar), Kristin Forbes (bass, vocals), Randy Scope (drums), and Julia Mancini (vocals, percussion), the Mates are a group of musical friends who have been playing together since 2005. Randy and Olivia used to be the rhythm section of the now-defunct Washington Social Club.
2007 saw the independent release of their first album, This Kind of Life, which they quickly followed up with The Chatterbox EP, produced by Roger Greenawalt (Ben Kweller, Rhett Miller).
2009 is the year of "You Can See the Mountains From Here," lush vocal harmonies and danceable beats.
See also: Olivia Mancini & the Housemates
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You Can See the Mountains From Here
2009
Remember when you could pop in an album and listen from start to finish - and then start again? You Can See the Mountains From Here is a collection of songs about life, love, and making your way in the world, set to sweet harmony.
CD: $12.97
MP3: $9.99