It’s a beautiful, catchy, romantic tune that delighted the high-pitched screaming fans and made a good counterpoint to some of Parmalee’s rowdier moments. Their setlist was heavy on the love songs, including “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Only You,” “Girl in Mine,” and the destined-to-be-a-wedding-first-dance-favorite “ Take My Name,” which Matt Thomas was reportedly inspired to write by Scott’s marriage to Lexia Chamryk in November 2021. The band - which includes brothers Matt (vocals) and Scott Thomas (drummer), their cousin bassist Barry Knox (whom Matt introduced as his first cousin, a distinction not usually mentioned here in California), and longtime friend guitarist Josh McSwain - started playing together in 2001 (they must have been babies), and their chemistry and closeness was evident throughout the show. “Am I saying it right?” quipped lead singer Matt Thomas, whose chiseled jawline and strutting across the stage to greet his swooning (and overwhelmingly female) fans reminded me a bit of a countrified Adam Levine in the early Maroon 5 days. The pleasantly pop-country band Parmalee, named for the band members’ hometown in North Carolina (population: 278) took the stage at the Chumash Casino last week (April 28, 2023) with a whole lot of down-home charm and enthusiasm for their first visit to the Santa Ynez Valley.
