Vancouver-based indie rock band Mother Mother is back on the scene with its fourth album, The Sticks, a year since their last album.

The five-piece group is going strong, complimenting their existential themes, melancholy and introspective lyrics with driving beats and catchy instrumentals.

The slow, peaceful introduction to the first track, “Omen,” quickly gives way to strong percussion in the titular piece, “The Sticks.” The percussion continues for several songs until the album drops back down into softer acoustic tunes.

Similar jumps happen throughout the album but the energy of the sound carries through and keeps one’s interest. The bouncy and energetic rhythms contrast with the darker content of the songs themselves, as is typical of this group, but everything ties together without the elements clashing or overpowering one another.

The complex layering of theses songs requires multiple listens to fully appreciate the intricacy of the tracks. Of course, at least one or two songs will echo in your head long after the first listen. Catchiness is another of the groups most pronounced strengths, which they have exploited well both in their music and their repetitive yet engaging lyrics.

Standout songs like “Infinitesimal” and “Let’s Fall In Love,” are relatable and express what many people end up going through regarding life, love and one’s place in the universe. These are common themes for Mother Mother, but the lyrics are polished and hit accurately what many young adults feel in this day and age that one can’t complain.

“Bit by Bit,” is another standout track. It describes the narrator’s gradual isolation as she cuts herself off from the frustrating aspects of society. It’s a rallying cry as much as a validation for her feelings, a sympathetic ear and a call to arms. Such duality, along with that of the music and lyrics, is a source of the band’s appeal, and if Mother Mother hadn’t solidified this as their voice before, they’ve certainly done it with this album.

Aside from the increase of energy and rock beats in several of the songs, not much appears to be new or groundbreaking within the album itself, but in this case it works. The focus is refining and improving on what they already have, and the effort shows. Each song flows into the next, with the first and last even sharing chord structures to act as the album’s “bookends.”

With the accessibility of the album’s themes and the appeal of the music itself, The Sticks seems to be a great place for newcomers to the band to start listening. It is a solid album and recommended for anyone who enjoys rock and the Canadian music scene.

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Photo: Supplied