Review Summary: There's self depreciation, then there's me
It’s been a long time since I wrote a review, and for good reason. I’m neither a particularly strong writer nor a great conveyor of ideas. But as the year winds down, I find myself compelled to talk about Erosion / Avulsion, Hidden Mothers debut album. This late release completely caught me off guard, and I’m afraid it might not get the attention it so clearly deserves.
Let’s dive into the journey that is Erosion / Avulsion, a visceral, turbulent exploration of pain and gloom. From its opening line- "So ***ing sick of damning voices"—the album grabs hold of the listener and refuses to let go. I’ll admit, it didn’t immediately win me over, but once it picks up momentum, it becomes a masterclass in navigating emotional peaks and valleys, blending raw vulnerability, searing anger, and heart-wrenching melancholy.
Hidden Mothers seamlessly fuse metalcore-like breakdowns and primal screams with a shoegaze-inspired atmosphere, layering it all with dramatic, overdriven guitars and piercing vocal intensity. I find myself mostly wallowing in nostalgia - nostalgia for what?- I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps a Thrice sound I miss, maybe an Alexisonfire ferociousness I used to love, or maybe it’s simply my soft spot for heavy, emotionally charged music.
Whatever it is, Erosion / Avulsion resonates deeply. Hidden Mothers have crafted something that feels both refreshing and achingly familiar. It’s an album that’s as meaningfully heavy as it is cathartically mellow, and that’s a rare, beautiful thing.
