Bingham’s Hole
Self-Released, 2019
10/10
If you’re like me, you weren’t playing close enough attention to The Mommyheads during their early years (late ‘80 to mid ‘90s). Thankfully, I was in the minority, and the indie-pop darlings went on to influence legions of outfits with a handful of seminal albums that sound just as good today as they did two decades ago.
Here we see their 1995 album, Bingham’s Hole, remixed and remastered for its 25 year anniversary. A pivotal record where the band expanded their horizons into avenues, it would ultimately get them signed to a major label.
“Only Star” starts the album with jangly and pop friendly strumming and creative New Wave nods, and the title track follows with a strong power-pop aspect they made their name on.
In the middle, “Needmore PA” brings a cautious moment of twinkling beauty where their version of prog-rock offers haunting keys and tense guitars, while “Broken And Glazed” delivers some funk amid a groove filled affair. One of the album’s best, “Fragrant Rosa”, then moves with sophisticated textures and mild jazz influences amid their pop sensibilities.
Deeper cuts bring us the angular “Pig In A Blanket”, where subtle alt-rock is present and appreciated, and the ballad “Cora” illustrates the softer, no less interesting angle of The Mommyheads. “Lead Balloon” ends the listen introspective and calm, where reserved skill flows with a timeless delivery.
Often considered their best work to date, Bingham’s Hole unfortunately didn’t reach enough ears in the mid ‘90s, probably cause the world was being fed too much pop-punk via the mainstream’s fascination with Green Day. The Mommyheads, however, were taking cues from XTC and the Raspberries with an eclectic pop spirit that make this reissue absolutely an essential piece to the glorious, albeit underappreciated sounds of the ‘90s.
Travels well with: Pinback- Blue Screen Life; Velocity Girl- Copacetic