Bay Area rockers The Mother Hips are releasing their "masterful" (MOJO ****) new album, When We Disappear, today on Blue Rose. MOJO writes, "I still don’t have an easy answer as to what kind of band they are. All I know is that whatever they play or sing sounds like California. Late-’60s/early -’70s West Coast country rock and soul play a big part." Thirty years in, the band is experiencing a creative renaissance, cementing their reputation as one of the key purveyors of their West Coast sound, a mix of cosmic country, Beach Boys psychedelia and hooks-driven rock and roll.
The Hips headed to New Mexico, spending time at Ghost Ranch before settling in at Jono Manson's Kitchen Sink studio in Sante Fe in late 2021 for the sessions. Self-produced, When We Disappear features nine compelling new tracks co-written by co-founders Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono — a collection of compelling, guitar-driven songs inspired by psychology and literature.
Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “one of the Bay Area’s most beloved live outfits,” The Mother Hips' headline and festival performances have became the stuff of legend, finding them sharing stages with everyone from Johnny Cash and Wilco to Lucinda Williams and The Black Crowes. Rolling Stone called the band “divinely inspired,” while Pitchfork praised their “rootsy mix of 70’s rock and power pop,” and The New Yorker lauded their ability to “sing it sweet and play it dirty.”
The Hips announced a run of tour dates and festivals, including the band's own annual "Hipnic" festival at Big Sur in March. Scroll down for complete dates.
TRACKLISTING
1. When We Disappear
2. Codine
3. She Stepped Away
4. Iffy Jackpot
5. Almost To Idaho
6. Leaving The Valley
7. Lost Out The Window
8. Spirit Of 98
9. Room Four
10. Stories Unborn
THE MOTHER HIPS on tour:
Fri, JAN 27 Chico, CA - Chico Women's Club
Sat, JAN 28 Chico, CA - Chico Women's Club
Fri, FEB 24 Austin, TX - 3TEN Austin City Limits Live
Sat, FEB 25 Denton, TX - Dan's Silverleaf
Fri, MAR 10 Carson City, NV - Nashville Social Club Carson City
Sat, MAR 11 Livermore, CA - Almost Famous Wine
Fri, MAR 24 Los Angeles, CA - Lodge Room Highland Park
Sat, MAR 25 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
Sat, APR 8 San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
Fri, May 19 Big Sur, CA - Hipnic
Sat, MAY 20 Big Sur, CA - Hipnic
Sun, MAY 21 Big Sur, CA - Hipnic
Sat, MAR 25 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
-stay tuned for additional dates to be announced soon