Mothership-Mothership

Ripple Music
2013 

Contrary to popular belief rock and roll isn't quite dead. It's still got some life left in it and, if bands like Mothership have anything to do about it, it will be still be around in years to come corrupting our grand children's children. When I read this band's name it was that 2007 Led Zeppelin compilation album that came to mind, but this power trio Texas isn't just another band trying to write their own take on "Black Dog".
Yes, there are some mighty riffs worthy of Jimmy Page's approval. Mothership mean more to the game then that though. While they moved on down the road enjoying the all the sights that their travels would bring them (there is after all so much to see and do if you are a new band trying to find your groove) this young band would make plenty of pit-stops along the way. They would end up basking in southern rock (ZZ Top, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot), they'd cut a straight line through bands like Iron Maiden and UFO and finally they would indulge in all things rock (Ted Nugent, Cream). So, bands like UFO, Molly Hatchet, Cream, Iron Maiden, ZZ Top, and more helped define Mothership's sound. I guess you could say that this is fuzzed-out southern rock meeting the whole gang (classic rock, NWOBHM and 70's hard rock) in a bar after a long, hard week at work to pound down a few cold ones. If you are a fan of all things 70's then there has never been a better time to be alive! Bands like Mothership are spreading the love and this self-titled, which sounds as if it was forged within the lava of Mount Doom (Mordor), is the perfect way to celebrate the joys of rock and roll. While this was original self-released in 2012 (Ripple Music is apparently re-issuing it in grand fashion) the production is nothing to worry about. For a band like this, who rely on the all mighty wall of fuzz, the production is more then fine. It's almost perfect for fuzzy hard rock and this album, in all it's glory, is just what my week needed.