There’s a real sense of confidence running through ‘Motherland’, the second album from Antwerp four-piece ILA. Having made their mark with debut ‘Ayna’, the band return with a record that balances the bite of alternative rock with a softer, more atmospheric edge. The guitars still have plenty of grit, but there’s a greater willingness to slow things down, explore different textures and let the songs unfold at their own pace.
‘Yuva’ eases the listener in with an air of mystery before ‘What I Need’ and ‘Sorry’ bring the intensity back up, driven by the kind of punchy instrumentation that has become a hallmark of ILA’s sound. It’s not all full-throttle rock, though. ‘She Holds Me’ takes a more melodic turn, blending jangling indie guitars with a dreamy haze, while ‘In Blue’ offers a quieter, more immersive moment. By the time closer ‘Waves’ arrives, the album has settled into something altogether more reflective, drifting towards its conclusion rather than going out with a bang.
That variation is one of ‘Motherland’s biggest strengths. ILA are equally convincing when leaning into their heavier side and when pulling back, with the contrast keeping the record engaging across its runtime. Frontwoman Ilayda Cicek remains a compelling presence, bringing an emotional directness to the songs that prevents the album's more atmospheric passages from feeling aimless. Produced by Mikko Gordon, the record also benefits from a clear sense of space, allowing the different layers of the band's sound to sit comfortably alongside one another.
There’s a personal undercurrent to the album, too, although it never feels as though the music is simply there to illustrate a concept. Questions of identity, family and belonging inform the record, lending it a deeper emotional resonance without weighing down its more immediate moments. The result is an album that feels intimate without losing its edge, moving naturally between restless guitar-driven passages and moments of genuine calm.
Following the success of ‘Ayna’, ‘Motherland’ feels less like a band attempting to reinvent themselves and more like one discovering just how much their existing sound can do. ILA have found room for greater subtlety without sacrificing the urgency that makes their music compelling in the first place. The result is a well-rounded second album that shows a band growing into their potential, with enough variation and character to make this a worthwhile addition to their catalogue.
Stream the collection below
