Single Review Round-Up: Mother Mother, Sound of Guns, Foxy Shazam, Dinousaur Pile-Up, Musée Mécanique, Anberlin and Mojo Furry

Mother Mother - Body of Years
Available now on Last Gang Records

Canada's Mother Mother's latest offering, 'Body of Years' is a punchy indie rock number with its steady pace, stabbing guitars and good vocal harmonies. However despite its acceptable structure, I expected the track become more alive during its later stages but failed to do so, although the swirling synth keys added depth to the track. Good but ultimately disappointing.

2.5/5

Sound of Guns - Elementary of Youth
Available now on Distiller Records

The latest cut from Sound of Guns' favourable 'What Came From Fire' album, 'Elementary of Youth' is a driving rock number that thrives on attitude and confidence. Much like their album, it proves to be bold and out going from start to finish with its tight-knit guitar work and pounding drums. Overall Sound of Guns prove they are very good at what they do, and shouldn't be ignored.

4/5



Foxy Shazam - Oh Lord
Released on September 27th on Sire Records

Foxy Shazam have been winning fans and critics across the Atlantic and with their self-titled album set for its UK release shortly, the Cincinnati group give fans a preview with 'Oh Lord', a fiery rock 'n' roll track with an overall extravagant tone which mainly due to the blues-y piano line and Eric Sean Nally's powerful, grand voice. Sure its slightly over the top but it still makes you smile; horns burst out proudly whilst Nally's (slightly) quirky lyrics guide you through a maze of infectious rock 'n' roll.

4/5

Dinosaur Pile-Up - Mona Lisa
Released on September 27th on Friends Vs Records

After the slight delay with their new album, 'Growing Pains', Dinosaur Pile-Up continue to tease us with 'Mona Lisa'. Like their previous single ('Birds and Planes') the trio's Nirvana influence is still evident but also attempt form their own sound, one that has urgency with a sonic edge. Fuzzy guitars, dominating drums play over Matt Bigland's scrappy vocals. Whilst it may sound slightly dated, it works for Dinosaur Pile-Up and adds intrigue for their full-length.

3/5

Musée Mécanique - Fits and Starts
Available now on Southern Transmissions

Musée Mécanique's 'Fits and Starts' is a calm, wallowing track that steadily draws you in with its quietly delivered vocals and sustained guitar. Overall it creates a slight country feel that is intriguing, but ultimately does not go anywhere which is unfortunate as it seems the band have a well-rounded sound that makes you interested at first. However their failure to develop the tracks texture, means 'Fits and Starts' concludes being a disappointing track that swallows within itself.

2.5/5

Anberlin - We Owe This To Ourselves
Available now as a free download here.

With UK fans finally getting a proper release by Anberlin in November with 'Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place'. Whilst I'll admit I've not Anberlin's biggest fan; its a case of never really giving them a proper chance, 'We Owe This To Ourselves' shows the band off in a good light, with its blend of alt-rock guitars and "mainstream-friendly" tone. Pounding drums and a soaring chorus are the tracks highlights, as is the intriguing piano work in the later stages. For new fans this is compelling enough to keep you interested, but overall I expected something more bold from Anberlin.

3/5

Mojo Furry - The Mann
Released on October 4th through Graphite

Despite the poor choice in band name, Mojo Furry provide a dynamic, thriving rock track with math-rock tendencies; stabbing guitars, tight drums and fiery vocals make up the bulk of the track. Its straight to the point and leaves no room for filler, as they grab fiercely from start to finish, with little to no release. Overall you're left wanting to hear more, as their is subtle hint of better things to come from Mo Jo Furry, although their sound is not 100% original.

4/5