Critic's Notebook

Mother Mother @ Rhythm Room

It's not often one hears a musician proclaim he wants to start a "vocal-driven pop band," but such was the case with Mother Mother guitarist/frontman Ryan Guldemond. But why aim for such commonplace pop fare? Because this is the kind of music the generally unaware music populace loves — it...
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

Independent Journalism in Phoenix Needs You

We need to raise $15,000 by August 9 to support the reporting our community depends on. Reader support keeps us independent and is playing a larger role in funding local journalism and shaping what comes next. If you believe independent local journalism matters, make a contribution today.

$15,000

It’s not often one hears a musician proclaim he wants to start a “vocal-driven pop band,” but such was the case with Mother Mother guitarist/frontman Ryan Guldemond. But why aim for such commonplace pop fare? Because this is the kind of music the generally unaware music populace loves — it doesn’t require any thought to subconsciously tap one’s foot or nod one’s head — and they buy a lot of it. The Canadian band, which also includes vocalists/keyboardists Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin, drummer Ali Siadat, and bassist Jeremy Page, received a jump start to success when New Pornographers producer Howard Redekopp signed on to work his pop magic. So for Mother Mother, the concept has worked well enough, signified by the release of four albums, nominations for assorted awards (mostly Canadian), and a song, “Bright Ideas,” being featured in a series of Kraft food commercials. Might not be the path to legendary status, but it’s good work if you can get it.

Loading latest posts...