10 Essential Mother Mother Songs For New Fans

Listening to indie rock band Mother Mother is like eating a box of chocolates on an empty stomach.

Little by little, you will find yourself working through their entire back catalogue, and before you know it, you will have finished it all. Not long after that, you will likely find yourself unwittingly booking a ticket to their upcoming concerts for fear of missing out.

After captivating audiences for nearly twenty years now with their eclectic sound, the Canadian indie rockers will soon be arriving back on Australian shores. This time, they will be joined by special guests Ūla, Total Tommy and Mid City.

If you, like me, recently found yourself in this position of booking tickets to this tour without being fully aware of the band’s wider catalogue, never fear. These ten songs serve as an excellent gateway into the world of Mother Mother, highlighting their diverse sound and lyrical depth.

Hayloft

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We’ll start this list with the most essential Mother Mother song of them all, Hayloft. Bursting with infectious energy and catchy hooks, the track narrates a tale of youthful rebellion and secret love.

Employing vivid imagery and spirited vocals, upon listening you will slowly find yourself drawn into its delicious narrative. The tune’s dynamic rhythm and earworm chorus have turned the song into a fan favourite. Often used by the band as the final song before the encore, Hayloft is the perfect entrée to Mother Mother’s music.

Hayloft II

We could not include a list of the top Mother Mother songs without including the sequel to Hayloft in Hayloft II. The song revisits themes of youthful rebellion and passion, but this time, it does so with fresh eyes. Maintaining the energy and catchy hooks of the original song, Hayloft II introduces new lyrical elements that delve into the consequences of love. It’s a compelling second act in an already beloved story, making it a must-listen for long-term fans.

Arms Tonite

Arms Tonite is one of those tracks that truly sticks into your head like a magnet to a fridge. Contrasting upbeat instrumentals with poignant reflections on love and longing, the song feels both melancholic and uplifting in the same weighted breath.

Inviting listeners to explore their own emotions, the song showcases one of the band’s most magical tricks of blending voices. Encapsulating the bittersweet nature of relationships when things go awry, it is a song you simply must learn the words to.

Ghosting

With introspective lyrics and a haunting melody, Ghosting truly delves into the complexities of a modern relationship. Addressing feelings of abandonment and emotional distance, the song is an ode to the all-too-familiar experience of ghosting.

The song’s interplay between male and female vocals adds further emotional depth. Renowned for its pop sensibility interwoven with profound themes, the song truly sounds like freshly cut heartache.

The Drugs

In The Drugs, Mother Mother tackle darker themes of addiction and escapism. The driving beat and catchy chorus provide a stark contrast to the serious subject matter of the song. Pounding lyrics such as “I feel good/ but I feel bad” seemingly highlight the internal monologue of an individual suffering from addiction. The song so clearly demonstrates the indie rock bands talent for addressing heavy topics with grit and supreme creativity.

Wrecking Ball

If you need a slightly lighter flavour from Mother Mother’s catalogue, look no further than the deeply vulnerable Wrecking Ball. The song delves into the emotional complexities that linger once a relationship has collapsed. Whilst navigating through the emotional treachery within the song, you may find yourself shedding a tear or two. The lyrics often deeply resonate with audience members, and the song often creates a moving listening experience.

Verbatim

From their latest album, Grief Chapter, the song Verbatim features intricately cut lyrics. Exploring communication and the struggle of fully expressing yourself authentically, the lyrics are almost scarily relatable for audience members. The song’s melodic structure and heartfelt delivery also encapsulate the frustration and beauty of finally being vulnerable in a relationship.

Burning Pile

Burning Pile is a longstanding fan favourite taken from the band’s 2008 album, O My Heart. Combining upbeat instrumentals with deeply reflective lyrics, the song follows a narrator who willfully refuses to solve their problems.

Instead, the narrator opts to ‘burn’ the problems away until one day when they themselves catch fire too. Thematically, the song revolves around the notion that life is impermanent. That one must let go of past burdens to move on. Featuring a catchy chorus and clever wordplay, it is a deeply thought-provoking and enjoyable song, particularly when watching it being performed live.

O My Heart

O My Heart is a standout track from their 2008 album of the same name. Encapsulating the band’s signature blend of melodies and introspective lyrics, the song discusses forced compassion and how hopeless it seems to be when used upon others. Featuring an infectious chorus and layered harmonies, the song is a good starting point for new fans.

Forever

From their new album, Grief Chapter, Forever captures the emotional turbulence associated with heartbreak and regret. Delving into the pain of lost love, the track features vocal delivery that will leave hairs standing up on the back of your neck.

The song revolves around grieving what has been lost and trying to build resilience from the rubble. It is a song that truly reflects the growth of Canadian rockers, making it essential for fans of both old and new alike to listen to it.

Mother Mother will tour Australia in November with special guests Ūla, Total Tommy (Sydney only) and Mid City (Melbourne only). You can find tickets via the Live Nation website.