LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: MOTHER MOTHER AT THE O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON, LONDON 16/07/25
Full photo gallery here
Canadian outfit Mother Mother’s one-off UK show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton wasn’t just a concert - it was a big, quirky, sparkly therapy session wrapped in alt-pop anthems. Supporting their latest album Nostalgia, the night served as both a celebration of the band’s evolution and a reminder of their enduring connection with a dedicated UK fanbase, bringing a show full of punch and personality.
Kicking things off, Fish In A Birdcage - the solo project by Duncan Townsend - did exactly what an opener should do: surprise you a bit and get you excited for the headliners. Armed with just a cello, accordion and occasional vocal accompaniment from his partner during a few songs, Townsend created a raw, heartfelt performance that struck a perfect balance between grit and charm. His unique, blend of electronica and folk sound and charismatic stage presence seemed to resonate with the crowd, earning loud applause and cheers at the end of the set. A refreshingly unconventional opener that set the tone beautifully for what was to come.
As the lights dimmed and fog filled up the stage, Mother Mother arrived and launched straight into ‘The Sticks’ followed by the newer track ‘Make Believe’ which got the energy going. The fan-favourite ‘Hayloft’ followed, unleashing a surge of energy as the crowd - an eclectic mix of longtime devotees and newer, younger fans - screamed every lyric in unison, turning the venue into a chaotic chorus of pure excitement.
“Crying is good, being in touch with your emotions is good, this is why we love this community so much” said vocalist and singer Ryan Guldemond before introducing the song ‘The Cry Forum’, dedicated to all the criers in the room.
The band then delighted fans with a surprise cover of Chappell Roan’s ‘HOT TO GO!’ - a playful, rockier rendition that sent the front rows into a frenzy.
The five-piece showcased their signature harmonies and electric musicianship throughout the night, with tracks like ‘The Matrix’ (mashed-up with Pixies’s ‘Where Is My Mind’), ‘Explode!’ and ‘The Stand’, highlighting the crisp vocal interplay between the vocalists Ryan Guldemond, Molly Guldemond, and Jasmin Parkin. ‘Until It Doesn’t Hurt’ showcased the rhythm section’s tight precision, with Guldemond’s standout guitar solo highlighting his technical prowess. Ali Siadat kept the energy floating with high-intensity drums whilst bassist Mike Young was showing off killer moves - and bass grooves.
The show unfolded with a kind of beautiful chaos - there was so much happening at once, it was hard to know where to look. One moment had the crowd dancing in unison, and the next brought a collective gasp and cheers as a surprise proposal in the crowd lit up the room. It was unpredictable, electric, and wholly unforgettable. The band’s positive energy was simply infectious.
The staging? Minimal but moody. The vocals? Crisp and beautiful. But what really stood out was the band’s chemistry - Molly, Jasmin and Ryan beautifully harmonising together, and the crowd eating up every note.
‘ON AND ON (Song for Jasmin)’, dedicated to - you guessed it - Jasmin Parkin, highlighted the band’s close-knit bond and genuine friendship. In one of the night’s most endearing moments, Guldemond played a guitar solo directly to Parkin, who responded with playful air guitar, making for a sweet and hilarious exchange on stage.
The track ‘Burning Pile’ prompted a massive singalong from the audience - a clear fan favourite before the band escaped in the shadows for a moment. They came back for a raw acoustic medley of beloved tracks including ‘Tic Toc / Touch Up / Body / Ghosting / Little Pistol’ - dedicated to ‘‘all the people at the foot of their dreams’’, to send them good energy - and a stripped-down version of ‘It’s Alright’. Goosebumps.
The band then reignited the crowd with the punchy ‘Arms Tonight’, before launching into the explosive ‘Hayloft II’, which was a clear highlight of the night that sent the fans into party mode. The night ended on a powerful note with heartfelt performances of ‘To Regret’ and ‘Oh Ana’.
Mother Mother at Brixton’s O2 Academy felt like a warm, loud group hug. It was high with positive energy, emotionally charged, and packed with a lot of singalong moments. Whether it was the punchy crowd favourites or the more introspective new tracks, the quartet kept the audience fully locked in from start to finish. If this show was anything to go by, Mother Mother are only getting better with time.
Words and photos by Florelle Servageon.
Full setlist below:
1. The Sticks
2. Make Believe
3. Hayloft / In Bloom
4. Love to Death
5. The Cry Forum
6. HOT TO GO!
7. The Matrix
8. Explode!
9. The Stand
10. Until It Doesn't Hurt
11. ON AND ON (Song for Jasmin)
12. Burning Pile
13. Tic Toc / Touch Up / Body / Ghosting / Little Pistol
14. It's Alright
5. Arms Tonite
16. Hayloft Il
17. To Regret
8. Oh Ana
