Rocker (feedbot)
Platinum Member
The darkness closes in, the world seems just too hard, you wrap yourself up in the blankets, stay in bed and hope the world will go away, and then, the season changes, you pull away the covers and emerge as a different person entirely. Mothica has battled the darkness and the experience shapes her new EP ‘Somewhere In Between’.
Just like a creature emerging from a chrysalis, Mothica’s form has changed. The slow electronic pulses and understated choruses of 2024’s album ‘Kissing Death’ have evolved, the five tracks here are defined by guitars, her wings have spread. It’s a rock sound similar to that of Chrissy Constanza, Against The Current or Yours Truly. The difference is that being a moth is very different to being a caterpillar. Suddenly her singing voice is competing with guitars and overall effect is like trying on a shirt that’s a size too big – it’s loose around the collar and spare around the wrists, it’s a good fit rather than a great one.
Without a doubt ‘Save Your Roses’ is the EP’s strongest statement. Taking its cues from pop-rock it basks in a comfortable groove then powers itself into a satisfying chorus. The trick though is how she switches back and forth between softer parts, creating a see-saw and a deep hook. It’s a neat display of what she can do. Similarly the way ‘Somewhere In Between’ makes a strong, immediate grab for your attention means it is a clear standout.
However it’s not all plain sailing, ‘Evergreen Misery’ feels like she’s being squeezed out by the guitars and the melody struggles to keep its head above the water, making it feel flat. Indeed, the general problem is that her voice is sorely lacking a bit of power, or even some sass. The best tracks mask this shortcoming, like ‘Weapon’ where the choir-like backing gives her voice space to breathe or the title track where a memorable guitar riff provides an excellent place to hide.
Fuelled by anxiety medication and a trip to rehab, the EP is a eulogy to addiction. While an artist doesn’t need a terrible experience to fuel their work, it has prompted her to use a new toolkit, to explore a darker, heavier space. To be clear, it’s not a huge step – it’s not that far from her musical roots, especially as all the tracks are girdled by electronics – but it makes them simmer with restlessness and alluring discomfort. The almost funfair-style wurlitzing on ‘Bullet’ lends a slightly evil feel while on ‘Evergreen Misery’ the sound of water dripping on a pan is reflected in the lyric “Rain on me.” Indeed, given its inspiration you’re never far from some striking imagery, notably on the aforementioned ‘Weapon’ where she describes “a gun inside my head” while considering the sense of loss that defines the title track.
Despite not being entirely comfortable, Mothica has spread her wings and leaped into a new sound. Neither soaring nor stalling, it’s certainly ‘Somewhere In Between’.
IAN KENWORTHY
Just like a creature emerging from a chrysalis, Mothica’s form has changed. The slow electronic pulses and understated choruses of 2024’s album ‘Kissing Death’ have evolved, the five tracks here are defined by guitars, her wings have spread. It’s a rock sound similar to that of Chrissy Constanza, Against The Current or Yours Truly. The difference is that being a moth is very different to being a caterpillar. Suddenly her singing voice is competing with guitars and overall effect is like trying on a shirt that’s a size too big – it’s loose around the collar and spare around the wrists, it’s a good fit rather than a great one.
Without a doubt ‘Save Your Roses’ is the EP’s strongest statement. Taking its cues from pop-rock it basks in a comfortable groove then powers itself into a satisfying chorus. The trick though is how she switches back and forth between softer parts, creating a see-saw and a deep hook. It’s a neat display of what she can do. Similarly the way ‘Somewhere In Between’ makes a strong, immediate grab for your attention means it is a clear standout.
However it’s not all plain sailing, ‘Evergreen Misery’ feels like she’s being squeezed out by the guitars and the melody struggles to keep its head above the water, making it feel flat. Indeed, the general problem is that her voice is sorely lacking a bit of power, or even some sass. The best tracks mask this shortcoming, like ‘Weapon’ where the choir-like backing gives her voice space to breathe or the title track where a memorable guitar riff provides an excellent place to hide.
Fuelled by anxiety medication and a trip to rehab, the EP is a eulogy to addiction. While an artist doesn’t need a terrible experience to fuel their work, it has prompted her to use a new toolkit, to explore a darker, heavier space. To be clear, it’s not a huge step – it’s not that far from her musical roots, especially as all the tracks are girdled by electronics – but it makes them simmer with restlessness and alluring discomfort. The almost funfair-style wurlitzing on ‘Bullet’ lends a slightly evil feel while on ‘Evergreen Misery’ the sound of water dripping on a pan is reflected in the lyric “Rain on me.” Indeed, given its inspiration you’re never far from some striking imagery, notably on the aforementioned ‘Weapon’ where she describes “a gun inside my head” while considering the sense of loss that defines the title track.
Despite not being entirely comfortable, Mothica has spread her wings and leaped into a new sound. Neither soaring nor stalling, it’s certainly ‘Somewhere In Between’.
IAN KENWORTHY