Song Spotlight: Marni's 99¢ (a night at Permanent Records Roadhouse)

Marni recently played Permanent Records Roadhouse. The band is fronted by Nicolas Lara and Michaela Gradstein. Can one be blown away by a band when they're just doing their instrumental intro song? I don't know how wise it is to make an immediate judgement call just based on a band jamming together to start off the set, but they sent my heart pumping with adrenaline. I was sold and that feeling lasted throughout their set, which focused on their 2025 EP release fml era (f*ck my life) as well as a trio of unreleased songs.  

Marni at Permanent Records Roadhouse

As one might be able to infer, this was my first time catching the band. I think it was inevitable that I would eventually catch this band. I went looking through their Instagram account and noticed that they've played with a number of bands that I follow. In 2022, they played a set with Gal Pal (will Gal Pal ever play another set, that's a question I'd like to know). In 2025, they played with Mo Dotti (you can read an article I wrote about the band here). This year, they played with Total Wife (you can read an article I wrote here). Adding to that, they played Rocknite last year. For those who read my blog or follow me on Instagram, you know I head out to Rocknite every so often. The stars aligned at Permanent Records Roadhouse, because the band was opening for two bands I catch on a regular basis: Buckets and Lauren Lakis. 

Marni at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Their Spotify bio is rather brief with this description of their music, "Country infused emo." An interesting combination, but I should note that they said that they had put out a call for someone to play the steel guitar with them on this particular night and the call was answered. You bring out the steel guitar and that is going to add an Americana-country touch to any song. 

Marni at Permanent Records Roadhouse

The instrumental beginning had me, but what continued that personal buzz was the duo vocals. The blending of their two vocals had me thinking of my favorite DIY New York band Laveda. The song spotlight goes to "99¢" which was, what one might say, their official first song of the set. A song where the band plays with an experimental sound while keeping vocals smooth. Is it a tune about personal behavior and attempting to reclaim a relationship? The opening line is:

I'm staying clean now, you know. 

Setlist: Intro, 99¢, Moments, Count to 3, Boozer, Bee Stings, Million Bucks, Yuma.