Powerhouse by Mother Cell

Experimentation is just as much about emotional creativity as it is about new sounds. That’s a guiding principle behind ‘Powerhouse,’ the debut LP from Brooklyn trio MOTHER CELL, whose approach to electronic music generates gut-wrenching psychological and intellectual energies. ‘Powerhouse’ fuses the infectiousness of hyperpop with the aggression of industrial techno and rhythmic noise. Propelled by cutting lyricism, chaotic textures, and multi-pronged vocal attack, the album defies convention while remaining distinctly hook-driven.

The album’s subject matter is just as heavy as its musical content. Confrontational and personal, ‘Powerhouse’’s 12 tracks tackle themes of mental health, sexuality, and personal & societal identity. “Go Hard” is a timely, sardonic diatribe against late-stage capitalism; “Woah! (Is Me)” is a comedic take on cycles of self-sabotage; the album’s three-track closing suite illustrates the uncertainty and instability of life in quarantine. Each track feels like it’s about to go off the rails - and some songs definitely do - but the elements of restraint and vulnerability present on 'Powerhouse' keep the album cohesive.

’Powerhouse’ is due out this April 16, 2021 via Metaphorest on hand-numbered, limited-edition cassette and digital. 100% of digital proceeds will be donated to Detroit Food Not Bombs Food Not Class Collective; 33% of tape proceeds will also go to the organization.

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