Mahall’s is a popular concert venue in Lakewood. It’s a hot spot for up-and-coming musicians from all over the world and a place for bigger artists to perform as well. It is a place for people to relax and enjoy an incredible performance. Recently, the band Annadale performed there.

Annadale has five members: vocalist Jenna, guitarist A.J., bass guitarist Jake, rhythm guitarist Conner, and drummer Coleman. Members have changed throughout the years, but the band continues exploring their musical abilities.

Annadale recently played at Mahall’s alongside other incredible bands: Calico, and The Little Ditties. They all put on an amazing performance and left the crowd feeling overjoyed.

“I feel like all of the performers had great stage presence,” freshman Sebastian Bukys said. Interacting with your crowd is a critical aspect of being a musician.

Mahall’s was fluorescently lit up Saturday night, and attendee Robin Shafer thoroughly enjoyed the luminescent setting that Mahall’s offered.

Annadale had a heavy setlist debut at the venue, their most recent EP, Dial Tone, being the night’s headlight, including more of their music and even a cover: “Wait a Minute!” by popular artist WILLOW, which had attendees singing and dancing.

The bands’ music is heavily influenced by the artists and activities that inspire them.

“Poetry is what gets me inspired to write,” Jenna stated. “But music wise and sound wise Flipturn, Matt Maltese is a good inspiration for me as well because he speaks so poetically and beautifully, and also R&B as a genre.”

Her fellow bandmate A.J. also gains much inspiration from popular artists.

“When I write music, I usually listen to Backseat Lovers, Flipturn, and Peach Pit,” said A.J.

Music has transformed and transcended throughout many years. Hundreds of sub-genres have formed, and the popular growth of “pov: indie,” “midwest-emo,” and “indie rock” can all be applied to the band Annandale.

Guitarist A.J. believes the band could be classified as “Pop, pop rock, indie rock, indie maybe.” However, the band agrees that the evolution of their music has also involved changing genres and their music as a whole. Still, the band can concur that they can be labeled as Midwest Emo or even Midwest Shoegaze.

Drummer Coleman believes a clear change has occurred between their early music and how they perform and play today.

“We started a lot more punk rocky, so the inspiration there was Midwest Emo, bands like Mom Jeans, Modern Baseball, and we have developed to where we’re at now,” Coleman said. “Most of the inspiration now personally comes from listening to a lot of Jazz Fusion, and a lot of math rock bands like Sweet Pill and Flipturn.”

While some people might love this genre of music, it might not be for everyone.

“It’s not my typical music, but they were really good,” Shafer said, adding that she has recommended their music to her friends who adore this genre.

Annadales members all seem to have differing opinions on what their favorite song to perform is, “Like a Leaf”, “Here or There”, “Strawberry Jam”, “Tooth”, and “Take It Slow,” are some of their favorites to perform live.

However, one song definitely made a mark in Bukys’ head after the performance. “I liked Strawberry Jam, that was my personal favorite.”

“I feel like I really connected with the bands, they made me feel at home,” Bukys said. Annadale has performed in many venues in Ohio and is from Akron, giving other Ohioans a sense of home and comfort at their concerts.

Annadale has performed at Mahall’s before and has described it as one of their all-time favorite venues to play.

“For sure, the Roxy was so fun,” lead singer Jenna commented. “I also really liked Rialto. The Roxy is a venue attached to Mahall’s where many concerts take place.

Even though most people aren’t aware of this wondrous band, to Shafer, one thing was certain: they put on an amazing performance.

“It was a very good experience, and my friends were there, and it was really fun dancing to the good songs.” Shafer remarked.

It’s hard to find a band as determined and passionate about their music as Annadale.

“The first rounds of merch were completely drawn by me,” Jenna stated. “We were standing in my kitchen printing 48 shirts, I take a lot of pride, and every single one is unique, they’re handmade.”

From meeting through competitive college marching band drum lines to Starbucks coworkers to Halloween parties, Annadale has the incredible gift of making concert viewers dance and sing to their enchanting music and wonderful sound, inspiring others.