Mothermary - I Am Your God
Are they destined to become the next big thing? Who knows? But, for now, I am happy to listen, and wait, and see what happens next.
When, a few years back, Larena Winn joined her twin sister Marcella in New York they had not only turned their backs on their family in Montana, but had also rejected the teachings of Mormonism, a religion that had moulded and guided their lives since birth. 'I Am Your God' is a musical narrative that describes the reclaiming of control of their lives, their rejection of religious hypocrisy, and highlights the duality of expectations placed upon women.
The burning question for me, though, is 'I Am Your God', with its synths, drum machines, and nods to retro-futuristic pop-art, angry enough to deliver its message of empowerment and sexual individualty? Or will it be perceived by some as a cynical exploitation by a management desperate to promote them as the next Madonna or Lady GaGa? Try as I might, I struggle to unravel that particular conumdrum, particually as Mothermary launched their musical career in 2019 with a cover of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'.
So, rather than be distracted by the salacious promotional imagery, and near-NSFW videos, I try to focus purely on the twelve tracks on the album.
And this is where the surprises arrive, and the blinkers come off. From opener 'Catch Fire' to the closing title track, each track bristles with retro-beats and breathily distorted vocals. We are taken spinning back in time to the disco days of Moroder, carried through the years of Laurie Anderson, Depeche Mode and The XX, and deposited in the presence of current acts like Oh Wonder and London Grammar. Even Madonna's Like A Prayer get's an audacious makeover along the way. The tone is undeniably crusading. 'I Am Your God' sets out to champion female sexuality, diversity and empowerment, and this it achieves.
Controversy may lie ahead, and PR machines will be readying themselves to switch up a gear or three if needed. But do not be surprised if we are all talking about Mothermary by the end of the year. Are they destined to become the next big thing? Who knows? But, for now, I am happy to listen, and wait, and see what happens next.
7/10
