Pegged into the alt-country scene, presumably for its involvement in the past with the H.O.R.D.E. tour, The Mother Hips actually have very little in common with that scene s insulated, predictable sound. The band wears the fact that it was influenced by pure pop acts like the Bee-Gees and the Kinks on its sleeve. There s very little mimicry of these acts, but the seeds of their influence certainly have a strong presence. The instrumentation is acoustic-based but very full and fleshed out. The band incorporates plenty of keyboards, piano, and sound effects into its lush sound.
Some songs tend to outstay their welcome while others dig holes that can t be covered up.
However, Given For You is short and sweet, opening with a 1970 s Fender Rhodes riff and mockingly pitch-perfect harmonies. The stretched-out vocal melody on Take Us Out is reminiscent of old Neil Young, except far more accomplished musically. The Mother Hips can t help but sound like seasoned musicians. Dumbing down its playing to sound more authentic would be pointless. That sense of perfection may turn off those that get off on having a patronizing view of musicians that are unremarkable players but happen to write remarkable songs.