Hot New Jams: Mother Father

Mother Father

Despite being born in the second month of the decade, I pretty much missed most of the music from the 1980’s. While as an adult I’ve certainly discovered plenty of Reagan-era gems, 99% of those have been somewhat out-of-step with the pop music trends of the era. In fact, if I read about an artist and they’re described as “sounding Eighties” I’m probably not gonna even finish the paragraph. I blame certain music instrument innovations of the day: the Linndrum, the Yamaha DX-7, and chorus pedals being the main offenders.

Well with their new single, Mother Father just might be changing my mind about such things. A rather impressive feat, indeed…

“The Bells Above” is a soaring and grandiose stab at an FM-ready anthem. Though by that, I’m not sure if I mean FM radio today or 25 years ago. A super-catchy guitar hook and synth sounds keep this song sounding like it’s ripped out a John Hughes flick. These broad, but precise strokes bear the mark of its producer Jaquire King, the man best known for putting his arena rock gloss on the latest Kings of Leon disc.

B-side “Light Thieves” bears much of the same sonic sheen and production of the A-side, while “Youngest God” is stripped down to the bare-minimum acoustic guitars and brush stroked drums (or as I call it, the bra & panties of rock).

You can pick up a copy of the disc tonight at The End as the band celebrates its release. Also on the bill are Cactus’s and Chattanooga’s Moonlight Bride (mp3 below… good stuff!). If you do make it out, wish the MF dudes safe travels as they will be jumping in the van for a three-week tour starting tomorrow night in Lexington with The Features.