Amigos upstairs, with its low ceilings and dim lighting, seemed a good destination to take in a good rock show on a cold January night. I went with intentions of supporting my housemates’ band, Ruler of the Raging Main, but was pleasantly enchanted by the opening band, The Chickadees.

An interesting bunch visually, this five-piece start out grabbing your attention with their mix-up of genders, ages, and instruments. The standard rock elements of guitar, bass, and drums are set apart by Dave Conley on the mandolin, which blends perfectly in the mix and carries its melody just fine against heavier competition. It’s a great alternate focus for the ear, though it’s hard not to be fixated on the talented and attractive Sarah Mallory, who holds it down on the drums. Moving in perfect time she seems unshakeable.

This is gritty, loud, guitar-heavy music that is reminiscent of ’70s classic rock in which the vocals and instruments blend as fluidly as the bodies in the room move. Drony without being obnoxious, rocky without being too harsh. It wasn’t that any one song stood out, it was that none of them did too much, making them a real easy bar listen. It’s the type of music you want to close your eyes, nod your head, and drink a beer to — an enjoyable unexpected.

The Chickadees play again on January 19 with the Rattlesnakes at Slainte.