Sheffield’s Hidden Mothers have been steadily building up the hype for their debut album which is released this Friday via Church Road Records. Despite having only a three-track EP and a handful of singles to their name before now, the band have earned a reputation that far outweighs their discography. Sold-out headline shows, and slots at prestigious festivals like ArcTanGent and Portals speak to their magnetism. With their debut full-length, Erosion / Avulsion, the band solidifies their place as one of the most exciting upcoming bands in modern post-hardcore.
The album kicks off with previous single “Defanged” a ferocious opening statement that sees Liam’s guttural roars commanding attention as the band melds punishing riffs with boy-band-esque clean vocals courtesy of Luke Scrivens. It’s this juxtaposition of brutal heaviness and haunting melody that Hidden Mothers handle with aplomb throughout the record. The track’s breakdown—a relentless, chug-heavy passage—is balanced by moments of vocal vulnerability, showcasing a band unafraid to marry accessibility with raw aggression.
“Death Curl” leans further into this duality. Lukes clean vocals provide an aching counterpoint to Liam’s jagged growls in an electrifying call-and-response dynamic. The tension and interplay between the two vocalists feels fresh, a balancing act that drives the band’s sound forward. The mood shifts dramatically on “Still Sickness” one of the band’s most accessible track to date. A subdued, post-rock-inspired palette introduces delicate melodies, but Hidden Mothers never stray too far from their abrasive roots. These softer moments only heighten the weight of their heavier passages, proving the band’s ability to move seamlessly between light and dark.
A brief interlude, “Caton Green” offers a brief respite with ambient, guitar-driven textures before giving way to “The Grey” a track steeped in post-rock sensibilities. Drummer Adam’s intricate rhythms shine here, building an almost unbearable tension before the vocals take over, steering the track into darker, moodier territory. The track’s climax is a masterclass in restraint and payoff, recalling the controlled chaos of Russian Circles.
“Grandfather” feels like an outlier, but it’s a welcome risk. A departure from the rest of the album’s weight, it highlights the band’s willingness to experiment, refusing to conform entirely to the heavy music scene they both embrace and challenge. Meanwhile, “Violet Sun” doubles down on chugging riffs and crushing heaviness, delivering the album’s most infectious moments. This track, an undeniable earworm, is a standout that has already become a live favourite in their set.
The closing track, “Haze” is a slow-burning affair. It begins with shimmering, atmospheric guitar work reminiscent of VLMV before chaos takes hold in the form of frenetic drums and explosive crescendos. Luke’s delicate clean vocals return to haunt the track’s quieter moments, leaving an indelible impression as the album comes to a close.
With Erosion / Avulsion, Hidden Mothers deliver a debut that balances ferocity and finesse, raw emotion and polished musicianship. It’s a record that refuses to stay confined within the bounds of post-hardcore or post-rock, instead forging its own path with an uncompromising vision. As they gear up for a packed 2025, this album feels like a turning point and one that could bring Hidden Mothers the broader recognition they deserve.
‘Erosion / Avulsion’ is out via Church Road Records on 29th November 2024.