Constellation Baby
Metal Blade/Blacklight, 2018
8/10
A glam-rock outfit spearheaded by Ann Courtney and Elizabeth Carena, with Chris Foley and Gunnar Olsen on guitar and drums respectively, as well as some contributors, this sophomore album brings punk and hard rock ideas into a very feminine formula of their self-described ‘pop cock rock’.
The listen opens with “Red Hot Metal”, where driving guitar work, crashing percussion and soaring female vocals are on excellent display, and “Man, I Wish You Were Here” complements the setting with a calmer delivery of still powerful instrumentation in its subdued nature.
At the halfway point, “Desert Island” moves into a more pop friendly setting where plenty of melody and flashes of alt-rock are present, while “Constellation Baby” offers a vocally heavy, initially musically bare peek into flowing indie-rock. The aptly titled “Totally Awesome” is one of the album’s best, as fuzzy guitars lead into a heavier execution that certainly is still very tuneful.
Near the end, “Supernatural” showcases the impressive range from the singers as flashes of synth from Joshua Valleau highlight the dynamic landscape, and “I Blow A Kiss” exits the listen atmospheric and sparse, where spirited guitar aid the soft, expressive vocals.
A listen with something for everyone, whether you’re more partial to strong riffs and crunchy rock or harmonic, soothing, timeless songwriting, Mother Feather will likely make you a fan pretty quickly with Constellation Baby.
Travels well with: Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme; Filthy Friends- Invitation