Acts labelled as “indie” or “alternative” can be just about anything in the music world or at least it seems that way sometimes. Those two “genres” feel more like a place to send music that is hard to categorize than anything else. Sort of a island for misfit music. In all the albums and EP’s I have reviewed though, never have I come across a band that fits that description as well as Atlanta, Georgia’s, Mothers does.
There is absolutely nothing conventional or expected on Mothers’ debut LP, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired. Front girl Kristine Leschper’s vocals drop in and out of falsetto almost as unexpectedly as the rest of the band changes tempo. However, where some bands suffer because of their disjointedness, Mothers actually excels. The music at times is very dreamy and simple with very few instruments, but each track seems to build as it goes along, while other instruments make cameos at various moments. Whether it’s the folksy mandolin that begins “Too Small for Eyes” or the haunting violin that accompanies “Burden of Proof”, the production is both unique and exciting. It’s not very often you hear these sort of dynamics from a release comprised of mostly ballads.
When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired is different from other indie albums in the sense that although the overall mood stays pretty consistent, that doesn’t necessarily make it boring. In fact if they changed much about it, they may end up losing the cohesiveness that truly makes this album what it is.
I am not going to say that this album is for everyone. It certainly does have an acquired taste sort of feel to it. Personally though, I very much enjoyed it. If you listen closely, you can pick up influences such as Jeff Buckley, as well as that alternative south east sound that I’ve grown to love from bands such as Manchester Orchestra. Mothers can definitely consider me a fan.
Check them out for yourself below…
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