MOTHER MOTHER – EUREKA

Disco pop rock is an inherently questionable style, but these guys are very tasteful, all things considered. Interesting arrangements, for one, are what set this Canadian group apart from the high energy throbbing that usually plagues such combinations. That Mother Mother aren’t afraid to pursue ideas, however brief or silly, is what enriches their third album with a musicality, humour and sonic depth that make it a fun ride. Singer, producer and chief songwriter Ryan Guldemond finds reference somewhere between Mattafix’s Marlon Roudette (as in the driving Simply Simple) and that aerial falsetto, Mika (Problems). The acoustic/synth/punk of Baby Don’t Dance brings to mind the cleaner end of fellow Canucks, that raucous trio Hot Hot Heat – not a bad thing at all. Guldemond’s writing is cheeky if not a little sinister: “having dinner with a girl, ugly girl, she asks me where I work, silly girl, I’m the prince of thieves – can’t you tell?” floats atop the eerie punk of In The Wings before Eureka screeches to a close with the brief rock-opera, Carve A Name. Dramatic and fun, for sure – Mother Mother are all over it.

***1/2