Seemingly a sequel of sorts to 2024’s One Eyed Band -- at least based on
the similar artwork -- No Quietus is the 17th(!) album from New York City-based indie-prog/pop band The Mommyheads. That alone is noteworthy, especially in today’s disjointed musical environment. But The Mommyheads, which released their self-titled debut album on Geffen Records in 1997 with Don Was in one of the producers’ chairs and subsequently broke up after the label dropped them, eventually recovered and have become a DIY success story.
The Mommyheads effortlessly shape prog-influenced arrangements into pop-centric songs that feel neither completely proggy nor unnecessarily poppy. Think Umphrey’s McGee but more laid back, or The Flower Kings but more accessible. One listen to the opening track, “Triumph and Crash,” might be enough to convert new listeners, while the entire 10-track album reinforces what longtime fans already know: Here’s a band unencumbered by label or industry pressure, making music that feels both classic and contemporary. (“Always Reaching” is a solid example of that, by the way.)
I also should note the superb production, which makes this an even more enjoyable listen.
Track Listing
1. Triumph and Crash
2. Black Veins
3. No Quietus
4. I’m Your Apocalypse
5. Always Reaching
6. Race Car Brain
7. The Beast Is Back
8. Finally Free
9. Strong
10. It’s Only Life
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