Hailing from Vancouver, the art-pop quintet Mother Mother have carved themselves out a nice, comfy niche among the recent boon of notable Canadian artists who’ve gained a measurable musical foothold in the past few years. Brandishing their own distinct sense of pop appropriation, the band signed with Last Gang Records—home to past records from artists such as Purity Ring and Crystal Castles—and set about re-recording some of the songs which were found on their independently released debut LP. Their first release for Last Gang was an altered version of their self-titled debut which was renamed Touch Up, and included two new songs, as well as different artwork and overdubs on some of the tracks.
Never a band to rest on their laurels, Mother Mother have released four records, including their re-vamped debut, over the course of the past five years, culminating with The Sticks, which came out late last year. Delving even further into the blissed-out synth rock which they’ve honed and cultivated since their debut, the band manages to strike an even balance between showy pop theatrics and rough-hewn guitar rock. Still going strong on their support tour for The Sticks, Mother Mother recently compiled a list of albums which were influential in the development of the band’s sound and which have had a profound impact on the band members themselves. Check out their list below in the latest installment of our On Deck series.
The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead
Perhaps the quintessential indie-rock album of the last century, complete with decadent, sarcastic social commentary, brutally honest laments of failure and loneliness, and, of course, great songs from start to finish. Arguably the crowning achievement of a great band at the height of its career.
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
One of the most significant signposts in exploring freedom in jazz, Coltrane and his band had a knack for accessing both peaceful balance and violent turbulence in the inner psyche and expressing it immediately, fearlessly, powerfully and together.
Pixies – Doolittle
A completely original work, way ahead of its time, Doolittle never ceases to inspire, surprise and energize, even after hundreds of listens. Each song is a unique animal with its very own voice, be it a mating call, a war cry, a social protest, a wild orgasm or the grating bark of an disgruntled terrier.
Radiohead – OK Computer
Sure, The Bends was great, but Radiohead turned a corner with this album that put them in an artistic league of their own. With a comparable pioneering intentions to Pink Floyd’s The Wall, this album is rich with beauty, and plays like a dream.
The Mars Volta – Deloused In The Comatorium
On the topic of dreams, The Mars Volta’s never-equaled debut album is a journey into the coma dreams of a dying psychedelic experimenter. Full of twists and turns, it takes the listener on a ride unlike any other, juxtaposing dynamic extremes from explosive, thundering polyrhythmic cascades with lush oceans of soft, slow melodies, switching between extremes on a dime, executed with technical musical mastery and brazen self-indulgence. And throughout all that, it’s catchy as hell.
Head over to Last Gang Records’ website to pick up a copy of Mother Mother’s The Sticks.
