REVIEW: Hidden Mothers - Erosion / Avulsion

An album release of landmark proportions - Sheffield post-hardcore outfit Hidden Mothers signify their arrival proper on to the British heavy music scene with their first album ‘Erosion / Avulsion’. A highly anticipated debut, prophesied by their aggressive and abrasive performances at Mangata and ArcTanGent. The band are another spoke to the great wheel of Church Road Records, which already churns the ever-flowing stream of emerging UK metal talent. Whilst it feels we have already heard so much about Hidden Mothers - with festival appearances at 2000Trees and Reality Unfolds already announced for next year - ‘Erosion / Avulsion’ is the defining moment for the band, taking meaningful influences from Deafheaven, Holy Fawn and Converge.

The album has winds of great change, which charter each single’s direction into deep waters of emotion. There are moments of challenge with imbued war cries full of emotion, but also sections that heal and become empowering points of reflection. Like a hero’s tale, it has an unmistakable charm and resilience that is truly captivating. We arrive on the shores of ‘Erosion / Avulsion’ with as much conviction and clarion as the invading Vikings at the Battle of Maldon, empowered by a black metal outburst where everything is on the line. As much as it seems like an impenetrable outer shell, we get to know the deep inner workings of Hidden Mothers as ‘Defanged’ progresses. Swelling choruses with driving guitars akin to Black Peaks overtake this power and channel it into deep indulgent vocals.

With ‘Death Curl’, we see the nature of these two sounds meld and compete, championed by the cascading vocalists - one with harsh shrieks, and the other richer sung tones - as the song builds in pace and emotion. Climaxing in an absolutely ferocious breakdown signified by a truly terrifying joint scream, the instruments take over with dexterity and ease. This becomes a point of tension for both sides to have their spectacular moment. A change in pace follows on ‘Still Sickness’. Bordering on Ben Howard-esque indie, it serves as a refreshing moment of clarity, finishing with those same anguished screams. However, this outburst does not feel the same as before, but rather provides a greater understanding to the listener about the feelings found within the album. It pushes itself quite nicely into ‘Caton Green’ a two-and-a-half minute interlude of calm.

‘The Grey’ is another moment of tension, less ferocious than before, but still with a lot to prove. Fast cyclical drums carry this song, with lingering clean guitar to push it along. Vocals appear lower in the mix, complimenting the overall sound as an instrument in itself. Finishing on a climax, this moment of turmoil feels slightly repetitive, but it is still a fascinating listen. When the first chord of ‘Grandfather’ makes a statement, it is a real moment of triumph in the album. Bardic, full of backstory and captivating, it grounds the album in a moment of power. Whilst it may just be a vocalist and a guitar, its simplicity gives it contrast to the rest of the album.

During the eleventh hour, Hidden Mother adds ‘Violet Sun’ to the mix. Full of suspense, it uses its abrasive power to fully immerse the listener in the moment. Vocals and damaging bursts of instrumentation unite to truly make this a spectacle. Heading into the final track ‘Haze’, this nicely ties the album up into a moment of comfort, holding you after the catastrophe. As an album charged with a lot of electrifying emotion, this vulnerability is satisfying and fulfilling. That is, before there is a real moment of positive action, with fast plunging guitars that choose to feel compromise. Euphoric reflection seems to churn up the direction of the album with fast build ups and emotional drops that really give this album life.

Hidden Mothers - this is a truly defining body of work. With the tenacity and power to put them on the map, it is a strong statement of what emotions the band can conjure up. Whilst the song's structure of soft then heavy may feel repetitive - like the light into the darkness - it's an absolutely thrilling listen, that is made to be listened to the entire way through as an album. Shining through the record time and time again, it's the vocals that give it pace and punctuation, weaving their anguish and pain into a time-honoured Church Road Records style of using your instruments to truly immerse the listener in the moment. Hidden Mothers are ones to watch and are sure to grow within the ecosystem of what makes British post-hardcore truly special.

Words: Amber Brooks

Photo: Matthew Barsby