MYRRTLE
Into the Mood: MTYRRTLE at Whelan’s
MTYRRTLE took to the Whelan’s stage with a quiet confidence that was palpable, accompanied by a sound that unfolded like smoke—slow, textured, and hypnotic in its allure. But as the set progressed, it became increasingly clear that they weren’t here merely to settle into one singular mood. They had an impressive range. One moment, they were guiding the room through delicate, intimate songs—soft, sparse, and emotionally raw, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in each note. The next, they were tearing into bold, commanding tracks that filled the entire space and pushed the crowd right to the very edge of the stage, demanding attention. That striking contrast between hushed moments and powerful crescendos gave the performance a captivating pulse—constantly evolving and continually surprising. What made the experience even more exciting for me as a photographer was their incredible and artful use of lighting throughout the performance. As the set unfolded, the stage shifted through a dynamic mix of tones and intensities—deep reds, icy blues, warm spotlights, and dramatic silhouettes. This variety created a wealth of visual opportunities for me to work with both in-camera and later during the editing process. Each song seemed to present its own unique visual world, and I found myself exhilarated as I followed it, frame by frame. I stuck with my reliable go-to combo: the 28–75mm lens for versatility, and the Helios 44-2 for capturing those dreamy, vintage textures. Together, they allowed me to match the band’s dynamic energy seamlessly—soft and cinematic one minute, punchy and intense the next, creating a picture-perfect reflection of their performance. And just when the night seemed to settle into a tranquil rhythm, MTYRRTLE flipped the script with a spirited cover of “Teenage Dirtbag.” It was raw, unexpected, and exactly the kind of fun twist that leaves a crowd buzzing with excitement on their way out. If you get the chance to see MTYRRTLE live, do not miss it! Whether you’re into moody atmospheres, high-energy rock, or simply want to experience a band that knows how to shape a whole room with their artistry, they’re absolutely worth your time and attention.
