Las Vegas Weekly

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This past weekend I felt the spirit of Mary—Same Sex Mary. Just over a year ago, the Boulder City blues-rockers announced that they had a new album in the works, leaving us to wait patiently. And then, with the help of fans and Kickstarter, SSM unveiled its cleverly titled full-length, Sex Cells, Friday at the Bunkhouse.

In black and white threads to match their album art, SSM tossed us some new surprises during the packed show. Violinist Megan Wingerter (Dusty Sunshine, A Crowd of Small Adventures) and cellists Zoë Kohen Ley and Brenna Lee Luman-Glimp helped open the set on “Growin’ Up,” and trumpet player Blake Farmer joined in for “Lazy.”

Photo: Adam Shane

Same Sex Mary's Stefanova.

Just like the live show, Sex Cells will rock your socks off—and maybe more. It doesn’t hurt that the record was pressed onto the highest-quality vinyl you can get your paws on (180 gram), or that James Adams (vocals/guitar) and Tsvetelina Stefanova (keys/vocals) created all of its artwork themselves. But what really makes Sex Cells rockingly delicious and, well, sexy, is the chemistry that spills through every dirty, blues-tinged tune. Though Stefanova’s arresting vocals aren’t present on every song, they are the perfect addition to Adams’ playful cool. Jangly and folky guitar riffs, a haunting organ and Blake’s surprising Spanish-style trumpet solo on “Lazy” make it a perfect opener. It’s followed by the slinky guitar hooks of “Long-Haired Creep,” a song made even better when you can dance to it live.

If there’s one more takeaway from Same Sex Mary’s album release, it’s that the group leaves no stone unturned. From the totally sweet merch booth equipped with a moving mannequin to the confetti bursting from the ceiling midshow, we were left praying for a second coming.