Mother Hips Rise Again: First Album in 23 Years

Mother Hips, the acclaimed California power pop band, has officially ended their indefinite hiatus with the release of their sixth studio album, "Kiss the Crystal Flake." This highly anticipated record, released on 2024-01-01, is their first full-length offering since the critically lauded "The Green Hills of Earth" in 2001.

The new album embraces the band's foundational sound, weaving together a rootsy tapestry of 70s rock influences and classic power pop. Songwriters Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono divide lyrical and melodic responsibilities, with Bluhm's contributions leaning slightly more towards the power pop aesthetic. The production remains grounded, focusing on the core quartet with subtle keyboard and occasional trumpet embellishments.

Recharged and reunited with new bassist Paul Hoaglin, Mother Hips deliver an album that balances energetic jamming with their characteristic tight, melodic songwriting. Tracks like Loiacono's Tom Petty-inspired "Confirmation of Love" and Bluhm's smooth ballad "Let Somebody" showcase the band's evolved yet familiar artistry. "Kiss the Crystal Flake" stands as a testament to their enduring appeal and solidifies their legacy.