Cork band Other Mother make a striking entrance with ‘can’t help but feel dramatic’, a five-track debut EP that finds plenty of room for melody amid the noise. The guitars are rough around the edges, the atmosphere often uneasy, and the songs rarely stay in one place for long. Rather than settling into a single sound, the five-piece lean into unexpected shifts in mood and intensity, giving the record a restless quality that keeps it engaging.
‘not sorry’ opens with a spoken-word approach that gives way to a more immediate, punk-leaning sound, setting up an EP that thrives on contrast. ‘anymore’ takes a darker turn, with a post-punk feel that brings a different kind of tension, while ‘fish to fry’ allows more space for atmosphere. The standout shift comes on ‘worm song’, which starts delicately before building into a much heavier passage. These changes of pace give each track its own character, rather than making the EP feel like a collection of variations on the same idea.
There’s a satisfying roughness to the production, with fuzzy guitars often taking centre stage without completely burying the finer details. Beneath the distortion, there’s a clear ear for melody, and the electronic touches add texture without feeling like decoration. The songs can be abrasive, but they’re not one-dimensional; moments of restraint make the louder sections hit harder.
What makes the EP work is its refusal to smooth out the edges. Other Mother leave space for awkwardness, uncertainty and sudden bursts of energy, allowing the songs to feel unpredictable without losing their direction. Their sound draws on familiar alternative-rock territory, but the interplay between atmosphere and aggression gives it a personality of its own.
‘can’t help but feel dramatic’ is an assured first release from a band still exploring what their music can do. Across its five tracks, Other Mother show an instinct for dynamic songwriting and a willingness to take detours, with enough memorable moments to make this debut worth returning to.
Stream the full collection below
