Mother Mother - 'Make Believe'
Mother Mother’s latest single ‘Make Believe’ marks a thrilling and introspective step forward for the alt-rock band as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
This track, which introduces their forthcoming 10th studio album, Nostalgia, encapsulates everything fans love about the band while simultaneously hinting at new horizons. With its vibrant mix of bold, layered sounds and poignant lyricism, ‘Make Believe’ feels like an invitation into a world of whimsical thoughts and deep reflection, where magical thinking and cosmic connections merge into a singular emotional experience. This track is a bold first taste of the expansive and cohesive creative palette Mother Mother has crafted for their upcoming album.
‘Make Believe’ is a direct reflection of frontman Ryan Guldemond’s musings on life’s larger philosophical questions. In a recent statement, Guldemond described the song as indulging in “magical thinking, interconnection, cosmic gallivanting.” This concept infuses the song with a dreamy yet existential feel, merging layers of abstract reflection with grounded musicality. It’s as if the song floats between reality and fantasy, both challenging and soothing the listener in equal measure. The interplay between the track’s abstract themes and its infectious melody is a testament to the band’s ability to bridge thought-provoking ideas with accessible music.
What stands out about ‘Make Believe’ is how it serves as both a continuation and an evolution of Mother Mother’s signature style. Fans of their previous work will recognize the band’s penchant for catchy hooks, quirky melodies, and layered harmonies. However, Nostalgia, promises to take those elements to new heights, pushing the band’s musicality and lyricism into fresh territory.
‘Make Believe’ feels more polished, but there’s an underlying sense of vulnerability that adds depth to its sound—a clear indication that the band has poured their heart and soul into this new project. It’s a track that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing listeners into its rich emotional landscape while simultaneously hinting at the grander thematic exploration that will follow.
The song reflects themes that have long been present in Mother Mother’s work: alienation, existential pondering, and a constant push-pull between self-love and self-hate. Yet ‘Make Believe’ takes these themes to another level, veering into the realms of spirituality and gender roles. The mystical landscapes and mythical creatures that are conjured through Guldemond’s words add a sense of magical realism to the track, offering listeners an escape while encouraging them to confront the more profound elements of their own existence. It’s a track that doesn’t shy away from complexity, but instead embraces it with both hands.
This first glimpse into, Nostalgia, comes on the heels of the band’s critically acclaimed, Grief Chapter, an album known for its raw emotional honesty and introspective depth. ‘Make Believe’. however, moves into a slightly different territory, with its lighthearted yet deeply philosophical approach to songwriting. The track captures that essence of childlike creativity that Guldemond describes as a key focus of the album. It’s an exploration of freedom, imagination, and the way in which music can evoke emotional responses in ways that defy logic. The result is a song that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant, a work that mirrors the band’s growth while remaining firmly rooted in the spirit of their early days.
Looking forward, Nostalgia, promises to be a career-defining record for Mother Mother, one that not only celebrates their past but also sets the stage for their future. ‘Make Believe’ is a testament to the band’s journey—one that embraces both their legacy and their potential for creative growth in the years to come. As they prepare for new tour dates and a summer album release, fans can expect more of the playful yet poignant sounds that have become the hallmark of this enduring and ever-evolving band. With, Nostalgia, Mother Mother are pushing their own boundaries, offering listeners a new chapter that feels both like a return to form and a bold leap forward.
Mother Mother is gearing up for an exciting European tour this summer, with a series of headline shows and festival appearances that promise to make waves across the continent. Fans can catch the band at iconic festivals like Lollapalooza Berlin and Lollapalooza Paris, where they’ll be bringing their signature alt-rock sound to some of Europe’s most vibrant stages. In addition to these festival stops, the band will play headline shows in Budapest, Vienna, Frankfurt, and Tilburg, culminating in a highly anticipated performance at London’s legendary O2 Academy Brixton - their only UK show of 2025. The tour will wrap up in grand style with their very first headline show in Istanbul on July 22, marking a historic moment for the band.
Words by Danielle Holian
