ALBUM REVIEW: Constellation Baby – Mother Feather

New York’s Mother Feather are the type of swaggering rock ‘n’ roll act that fit right into today’s dynamic scene. Their mesh of indie, pop, alternative, and hard rock make them an unusual outfit but one that deserves your attention. The band’s debut, self-titled record unlocked doors for them, Constellation Baby is trying to blow them wide open.

The opening one-two of Red Hot Metal and Man, I Wish You Were Here have a subtle, yet understood 80s smooth rock feel to their tones. They don’t shoot Constellation Baby out of the gate at full speed, but there’s a strong hint of intrigue within their bones that makes them interesting to wrestle with.

You won’t be left waiting too long for the record to go up a gear though. ICU is a sprinkle of stardust that gives an indication of what MOTHER FEATHER are capable of. Vibrant rock shifts anchored by the delicate vocals of Ann Courtney, and a chorus littered with spirit and valour; the quartet are on top form here.

Desert Island follows suit, its mellow, melancholic aura is as gracious as it is engaging. It’s simplistic in its structure, but impactful in its delivery. It’s a track that is built for the sole purpose of shining the spotlight on Courtney, and everyone plays their part in the task at hand. The riffs don’t try to deviate, or overpower Courtney‘s melody, it’s a beautiful tale of loss and sadness – expressed with delicacy.

Both Snakebite and Shake Your Magic 8 Ball try a little too hard to be unique though. And instead of sounding authentic, they come across overtly obtuse and derivative. It’s a small fault to find, but they do take away from Constellation Baby‘s laid back yet rousing vibe. MOTHER FEATHER are a band that when not on top form do tend to flirt with mediocrity.

Constellation Baby is a record that when in full flow, is an enticing affair of strict rock ‘n’ roll beauty. While it occasionally slips in and out of indifference there’s plenty here to sink your teeth into. MOTHER FEATHER seem like a quartet that are more than capable of uncovering a gem, and while this record isn’t the finished article, you can’t help but sense the New Yorkers coup de grace is waiting in the wings.

Rating: 7/10

Constellation Baby is out now via Metal Blade Records.

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