Mother Mother – Live – Glasgow Barrowland

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Review By Darren McIntyre

Mother Mother are an Indie / Rock band based on Quadra Island, British Columbia who have been thrilling audiences since 2005. The band have given us Touch Up in 2007, O My Heart in 2008, Eureka in 2011, The Sticks in 2012, Very Good Bad Things in 2014, No Culture in 2017, Dance & Cry in 2018, Inside in 2021 & their sensational new album Grief Chapter late 2023, the band roll into the world-famous Glasgow Barrowland as part of their Grief Chapter Tour so please sit back as I take us through this sensational night of Indie Rock from these icons of British Columbia. The house PA is booming out the tunes as lights begin to flicker and pop which lets us know things are about to happen and happen they shall, the place is packed to the rafters as the 5 piece saunters on stage

Glasgow Barrowland witnessed an electrifying performance by the Canadian indie rock band Mother Mother, leaving the audience enthralled and wanting more. The venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for the band’s dynamic performance.

From the moment Mother Mother took the stage, they captivated the audience with their infectious energy and raw talent. Lead singer Ryan Guldemond’s charismatic presence commanded attention, while the band delivered tight, energetic performances of their hits, as well as tracks from their latest album.

The crowd was swept up in the band’s eclectic sound, which seamlessly blends elements of rock, pop, and folk. Opening songs like “Nobody Escapes” and “Arms Tonight” had fans singing along at the top of their lungs, while tracks like “Hayloft II” and “The Matrix ” had the entire venue pulsating with energy and screaming at the top of their lungs.

Throughout the night, Mother Mother showcased their versatility as musicians, effortlessly transitioning between upbeat anthems and more introspective ballads. The band’s chemistry on stage was incredible, with each member feeding off the crowd’s energy and delivering a spectacular performance.

We raced through their back catalogue as crowd favourites like “Problems”, “Oleander” & “Explode” really shook this iconic venue to its very core as the place just erupted into sheer frenzy mode as this electrifying 5 piece brought out the big guns that just swept us along in the furore of this most excellent night of electro-infused Indie / Rock night that I will tell you was a new one on me.

We strolled into “Back To Life” which really heightened the temperature in the Ballroom and we were getting into the meat and bones of this fabulous track before the track was brought to a halt by Ryan as he noticed an emergency in the crowd and brought this to the attention of the security staff, I can tell you it was dealt with swiftly, efficiently and with sheer professionalism that allowed the show to continue – Hats off the staff around the venue who were on it like a flash.

We took in another 3 classic tracks in the form of “Bit By Bit”, and “Body”, finishing the first half of the show with the enthralling beauty “Burning Pile” which really whipped this packed audience into shouts and hollers that prompted the band to leave the stage for a few minutes as the stagehands assembled a small compact drum kit that was the centrepiece of this acoustic section of the show as Ryan, Molly, Jasmin, Mike & Ali came together in the middle of the stage to drop killer versions of their classic tracks “Dirty Town”, “Wisdom”, “Ghosting”, “Little Pistol”, “It’s Alright” and finishing with the anthemic chorus led “Oh Ana” which really lifted this crowd as they sang their hearts out. It let this band know that Glasgow crowds are the best crowds in the world.

The place was in full-on sweat mode when the band told us that this was a real bucket list moment for them as they have always wanted to play at this iconic venue that has given so many bands a real lift in their careers and this was no different for these musicians as they lapped up every morsel of applause from this excited, swelling crowd, the night was brought hurtling towards a crescendo with closing tracks “Wrecking Ball”, “The Stand”, “Video Games, “Verberation”, and the colossal “Hayloft that brought shrieks and hollers from this crowd.

As the night drew to a close, Mother Mother left the audience begging for an encore, capping off an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie. For fans of indie rock, Mother Mother’s performance at Glasgow Barrowland was a must-see event that showcased the band at the height of their powers.

The band returned to the iconic stage and delivered a sing-along rendition of their new album opener “Grief Chapter” which was led by the crowd singing at the top of their voices and letting this awesome band know that they are welcome back in Glasgow anytime.

Overall, Mother Mother’s performance at Glasgow Barrowland was a testament to their status as one of the most exciting live acts in the indie music scene today. With their infectious energy, exceptional musicianship, and undeniable charisma, Mother Mother left an indelible mark on Glasgow, ensuring that fans will eagerly anticipate their return to the city for years to come.

Mother Mother –
Ryan Guldemond – Lead Vocals / Electric/ Acoustic Guitar
Molly Guldemond – Vocals / Keys
Jasmin Parkin – Vocals / Keys
Mike Young – Bass
Ali Siadat – Drums

Setlist –
Nobody Escapes
Arms Tonight
Hayloft II
The Matrix
Problems
Oleander
Explode
Back To Life (Interrupted by an emergency in the crowd)
Bit By Bit
Body
Burning Pile
Dirty Town – Acoustic
Wisdom – Acoustic
Ghosting – Acoustic
Little Pistol – Acoustic
It’s Alright – Acoustic
Oh Ana – Acoustic
Wrecking Ball
The Stand
Video Games
Verbaration
Hayloft II
Grief Chapter