The Mothers

Hailing from Denton, a city just outside of Dallas, The Mothers consist of guitarists and vocalists Adriana Valls and Naomi Kleiwer, Kyle Williams on drums, Jake McCandless on bass and pianist/vocalist Michelle Brite.

Valls has a very pop-ready voice. I can see her voice being over some snappy, house music infused radio hit but I’m glad that the rawness shines through being a member of The Mothers. Musically, the band is in top form from the technically impressive drumming to the creative guitar parts the band creates and accessible blend of sounds. The mish-mash of guitars, sporadic drums, clean piano and pure harmonies on “Howl” bleed so well together that I am forced to just close my eyes and shut up and listen.

The last couple of minutes on “Narcissus” are the highlight: a mini guitar solo accompanied by bass and ending with a great explosion of harmonies from Valls and Kleiwer.Those jazz influences from Williams come in near the end of “It Gets the Hose Again” from McCandless on bass. And I can always hear some Grimes and St.Vincent-esque wails from Valls.

I love the pick up on tempo and rhythm from the slow and steady “Requiem” to the upbeat and romantic “Edittor.” The track has the potential to be a stand alone single or radio hit. It’s appealing and sweet. Loving and warm. Something people can relate to, like the band themselves.

“Professional Manipulator” is the perfect album ending. Valls gets a little more soulful on vocals, and the guitars are clean and poppy. Actually, it almost feels like the end of the summer.

There’s a sense of happiness but also a sense of sadness that it’s over. But like with every summer, there’s a feeling of hope and optimism that it’ll be back. That’s how I feel awaiting The Mothers’ second album. - The Equal Ground