Young Mammals is one of Houston’s best-loved indie bands, voted “Best New Band” and “Best Indie Rock” in the 2007 Houston Press Music Awards. The group’s unwavering dedication to creativity have earned the band a well-deserved spot at the upcoming Free Press Summer Fest, which runs June 5-6, in Eleanor Tinsley Park. Last year, Young Mammals released its debut full-length, Carrots, which was ranked among the best local releases of 2009.

Here’s what I wrote about the band for Houston Calling‘s 2009 favorites list:

It’s been a pleasure watching this band from its high school beginnings. The band’s first official full-length, Carrots, naturally displays the group’s Pixies influence yet also deftly shows that Young Mammals is made up of more than mere influences. One of a handful of local bands with true breakthrough appeal, it will be interesting to see (and hear) how the band progresses.

Here’s a video of the band playing on the streets of Austin:

Young Mammals plays at Summer Fest on Sunday, 6.6.10, at 7:15pm on the KTRU stage. Check out the band online at MySpace.