Mama’s Broke – Traverse Theatre Bar

Kicking off their first show in a five week tour of the UK, the Bar at Traverse Theatre proved an ideal intimate setting for a spell-binding performance by Canadian Folk duo, Mamma’s Broke, which had everyone leaning in and, at times, tapping along. Hailing from Nova Scotia, Edinburgh has been a regular destination for the pair, since their first Edinburgh Fringe foray eleven years ago, where they resorted to busking on the streets to survive.

They have come a long way since then.

Known for their haunting harmonies and genre-defying compositions, the 30-something pair served up a beautiful mixture of songs from their previous two albums, Count The Wicked (2017) and Narrow Line (2022), along with some new material heading into the recording studio later this year.

The venue’s simple acoustic complimented the duo’s intricate instrumentation which includes fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin. Their eerie vocal harmonies, bent elongated notes and the incorporation of foot percussion also added dynamic, experimental layers to the performance, engaging the audience both sonically and visually.

Drawing on influences from old-time, Quebecois, and Celtic to Balkan and even elements of doom metal – Mama’s Broke are certainly hard to pin down!

Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria create music which is both deeply traditional and strikingly contemporary, often exploring themes of survival, rebellion and the wild feminine spirit. Their style is intimate and intense, with barely whispered lyrics often feeling more like a campfire séance than a concert, and with a rugged DIY ethos and nomadic spirit reflected in both their music and their lifestyle.

Despite five months since their last meeting, the synergy between the young women is palpable, their voices intertwining seamlessly, creating harmonies which are both powerful and ethereal. Between songs we hear their shared stories of their travels and the inspiration behind their music, fostering a genuine connection with the audience.

With songs like ‘Marry you someday’, Just Pick one’ or the upbeat break-up song ‘I should Have Known Then’, there is more than a hint of tongue-in-cheek middle finger raising to the opposite sex. At other times the themes are darker, like the haunting ‘Narrow Line’, the title track of their second album, dedicated to Palestine and all displaced people everywhere. The plaintive minor chord atonal melody desperately searching for a release that never comes.

In a world where musical authenticity can sometimes feel elusive, Mama’s Broke stand out as a beacon of genuine artistry. Their performance tonight was certainly full of talent, and heart and reaffirmed the enduring power of live music to connect, challenge and uplift.

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 22nd May 2025

North West End UK Rating:

Running time – 1hr 40mins (with interval)