This seems to be the year for quality recordings from smaller Christian labels. The debut album from My Brother's Mother presents thirteen songs in a mood-rock vein reminiscent of The Choir's Circle Slide or Violet Burning's Strength. The band's core is guitarist Andy Prickett of Prayer Chain fame, and singer/songwriter Jaime Eichler, whose throaty background vocals were one of the best things about the Strength album.
Musically, MBM takes its cue more from Eichler's past band than Prickett's. It's the sort of album that, after your first listen, makes you say "Wow, sixty minutes of music and not a single catchy tune!" But repeated listening will unearth some real treasure here. This is mostly mellower stuff, not hook-laden modern pop by a long shot. Radio may have a tough time shoehorning such slow-but-intense songs into a 3 1/2 minute top ten slot, though the upbeat numbers like "Rain Main" and "He's Heaven" may have a shot as alternative pop, and "Why" is a fierce rock number.
Eichler's vocals range between the waif-queen sound of Kate Bush and Tori Amos to the quirky pronunciations of 10,000 Maniac's Natalie Merchant, settling most frequently into the strong rock sound of former Raspberry Jam singer Angel Short. Her lyrics split between spiritual concerns and matters of the heart. "How Do I Say No" is a captivating acoustic song expressing the regret of a dating relationship turned impure.
The album's biggest flaw is the overall similarity of its songs. Perhaps some of the studio time might have been better spent changing up fewer songs instead of putting so many on one album; an outside producer almost certainly would have helped in this regard. After thirteen songs, the differences between them get a little muddy, and I find the first 9 or 10 most memorable anyway.
It's a respectable first effort, with fully professional packaging and clear recordings. A stint opening for the Lost Dogs is giving MBM national exposure, and they're a fine addition to the modern rock world.
