Album Type:
Album
Date Released:
Nov 10th
2014 (UK) / Nov 11th
2014 (USA)
Label:
Ripple Music
Mothership -
II – Tracklisting
1. Celestial Prophet
2. Priestess of the
Moon
3. Shanghai Surprise
4. Holy Massacre
5. Centauromachy
6. Hot Smoke &
Heavy Blues
7. Tamu Massif
8. Astromancer
9. Serpents Throne
Bio
Supersonic
intergalactic heavy rock trio Mothership based out of Dallas, Texas
give a real sense of hope that all is well in the universe, and that
pure honest rock and roll has once again returned to this planet on a
mission to unite true believers. Consisting of brothers Kyle Juett on
bass/lead vocals, Kelley Juett on guitar/vocals, and Judge Smith on
drums, these guys have created a unique sound that satisfies like a
steaming hot stew of UFO and Iron Maiden, blended with the southern
swagger of Molly Hatchet and ZZ Top, paired with a deadly chalice of
Black Sabbath. Mothership’s goal from the beginning has been to
carry on the tradition of the classic rock style of the ’70′s,
updated and amped up for the modern day. The band has been non-stop
road warriors since the release of their debut album in February 2013
on Ripple Music successfully invading the United States, Canada,
United Kingdom and Europe playing either on festival stages, night
clubs, or outdoors under the sun at motorcycle parties.
Members
Kelley Juett-
Guitars/Vox
Kyle Juett- Bass/Vox
Judge Smith- Drums
Review:
18
months later - Mothership - are primed to return to Earth and release
their second album - II. This hard-rocking trio's debut album was
critically acclaimed by fans and critics alike that made them a
favourite with the Hard Rock/Stoner Rock crew with. I rated it highly
when I reviewed back in Feb 2013. So what can we expect with II.
Well lets see if the magical ingredients are in place with what made their debut such a great release.
- Signed to Ripple Music - Check
- Kent Stump (Wo Fat) engineering the album - Check
- Mothership ready to unleash some holy heck - Check
Yeah
that's all the checks done. Lets get started with this review II.
Let's say that Mothership are louder and heavier than before as II is
ready to blast your hearing into space and beyond. II is a different
album altogether from their celebrated debut album. II sees
Mothership venture into the more seedier, dirtier and heavier side of
Rock/Metal music. Sure, they still have the old cosmic space rock
riffs showing up from time to time.
Though
as a whole, II is a major step forward for Mothership as a band. They
have successfully managed to create a new sound for themselves while
still keeping their existing fanbase happy. Opening track - Celestial
Prophet - is an instrumental spacey ambient based track with soothing
riffs being played at a slow pace before heavy thunderous riffs start
to appear in the middle of the song. Consider this song the "Calm
Before The Storm" as Mothership are about to take you on a wild
ride of rock and roll as for the next 50 mins or so, your entire
being belongs to Mothership. Kyle, Kelly and Judge are ready to
entertain you.
Second
track - Priestess Of The Moon - sees Mothership further enrich
themselves with 70s classic hard rock territory as they weave a
magical dark tale that echoes memories of legendary bands past and
present. The album becomes slightly trippy and hypnotic as Kelley
plays some stunning guitar solos with spacey ambient noises ending
the song off before Mothership once again unleash rock & roll
havoc with Shanghai Surprise. This is where the seedier Mothership
start coming to play with some funny as heck lyrics that ZZ-Top were
masters at back in the day. What inspired Mothership to write this
song? I have no idea. You will know when you hear it, as I don't want
to spoil the funny as hell surprise and hidden meaning of the song.
Trust me though as you will be signing this song as loud as you
possibly can. II, like it's predecessor, this album has a huge
likeability factor and that is down to the brilliant chemistry of all
3 members playing an equal role in bringing Mothership to life.
II
has it's equal share of dark and funny moments that make this album
such an exciting blast of pure rock and roll to listen to. Songs such
as Holy Massacre, Centauromachy see Mothership venture into almost
Doom Metal territory, which they pull off with great conviction.
Maybe it's best for you not to care what genres that Mothership play
on the album. Just enjoy the ride as this album is packed full of
great moments for every hard rock fan to love and enjoy. II is one
big party-fest of hard-rocking riffs, grizzled vocals and killer
lyrics that sounds awesome thanks to Kent's stellar work on
engineering duties. Hot Smoke & Heavy Blues is one of the album
standout tracks as Mothership unleash a torrent of blazing riffs and
vocals to thrill you with.
Another
standout track has to be - Tamu Massif. A 6 minute plus psychedelic
instrumental track as Mothership play an extended jam-based cosmic
riff where things get very loud indeed. It has a slight laid-back
approach compared to other tunes but when Mothership vent their fury,
you had better stand back as they play some powerful riffs to
entertain you with. II is a brilliant album. I was expecting
something good from Mothership but not an album as good as this. This
is gonna further enhance Mothership's reputation as one of the best
hard rock bands currently out there and one to keep an eye on in
2015. II is an album as this album has it all. A stunning album that
may end up on a few best of album lists. That's how seriously that
great it is. Whatever you do, buy this when it comes out.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Cat Jones at Southern Cross PR for sending us a promo. II will be
available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Ripple Music on 10th Nov 2014
(UK) and 11th Nov 2014 (USA).
For
more information:
