motherfolk - motherfolk

Motherfolk

Motherfolk
self-released; 2013

4.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Motherfolk is a 4-piece indie rock band located in Cincinnati, OH who recently their debut album entitled MotherFolk. The music on the album is unequivocally indie rock with a tinge of folk but what separates the songs  from the masses is the raw emotion that is conveyed. In some ways I was reminded of the already classic album Funeral by Arcade Fire. Motherfolk has similar type of vibe that is immediate, visceral, and even cathartic. The music is excellent throughout but what really makes this album take off are the vocals. Throughout the band delivers catchy vocal melodies and harmonies that spew with emotion that feels all to real. It's the exact opposite of the over produced, auto-tuned vocals that are much to prominent in todays musical landscape. 

The album doesn't start off with a bang but rather a soft acoustic song called "Hiccups". You are introduced to a couple of vocalists who have distinct tones and delivery that when combined work surprisingly well.  The lyrics explore grace, melancholy, and god. They sing together "What's that about grace that burns me up? Unfailing love, it's not quite enough I've heard my whisper, now where's my touch you promised me Father Heavenly". 

The second song "Hiccups" is the song that made me a certified fan. It has a cathartic quality and explodes with electric guitars, bass and background harmonies. This is the song that got me thinking about how they had a similar energy to Arcade Fire. The energy is something that is hard to ignore. 

"Defining Me"  is another good song that introduces other elements like bells, banjo and organ. The song ebbs and flows with momentum. "I Know" is a love song that never feels trite but instead makes you want to fight of the love that you know should be in your life. He sings "I know that I don't know you that well But I know I've been missing you like hell I know I know, I know I know". "Goldie Hawn" is the best rocker on the album full of waves of white noise while "Tired" is an exceptionally catchy song.

They close with "Thank You's" which may be the best song on the album. The song pulls out all the stops and has horns, fantastic vocal harmonies  and so much emotion pouring out from it.

Any album that has this much feeling running through its vein is bound to make an impact on some level. Do yourself a favor and listen to this now.

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