RED TANDY EP
Album Review

By Robert Kinsler

Despite the deserved critical acclaim that greeted the Mother Hips’ 1992 debut “Back to the Grotto” and subsequent gems such as “Part-Timer Goes Full” in 1995 and “Later Days” in 1998, it seemed like the band might be finished a mere decade after its formation at Chico State.

It was after the release of 2001’s “Green Hills of Earth” (which Rolling Stone magazine noted was one of the best albums of the year) that singer/guitarist Greg Loiacono told the other members of the group he wanted a break.

After a span of four years, the Mother Hips have returned. The quartet (which also includes singer-guitarist Tim Bluhm, bassist Paul Hoaglin and drummer John Hofer) has recently released a dazzling four-song EP titled “Red Tandy.” The Camera Records release features several strong tracks including the country rock-styled title cut and psychedelic-tinged “Blue Tomorrow.” “Colonized” is an epic rocker that recalls the spirit of early Neil Young; but listening to that song and all of the Mother Hips’ past work demonstrates how the outfit actually blends a number of classic California-based artists ranging from the Byrds and the Beach Boys to Buffalo Springfield and Merle Haggard into a winning sound of their own.

“Toward the end of 2001, it had become work and it didn’t feel right ,” Loiacono says in the band’s newly updated bio.

“Now when we come together to play, there’s true happiness in seeing each other, and in creating new sounds.”

Hearing these four great players unleash a sound that is equal parts power pop, alt country and blues rock it’s easy to see why the band has shared the stage with a range of artists ranging.