MOTHER FEATHER MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN AT TV EYE

If you would have asked me last year around this time if I imagined I would be front row at a Mother Feather show in Queens, I would have responded “no way.” After “that event that shall not be named that happened in 2020” effectively changed everyone’s trajectory, Mother Feather was one of the bands that settled into their hiatus to reflect and regroup and finally they’ve returned with renewed spirit and the searing intensity that they’ve been known for across the NYC music scene. Curating a night of kickass female-fronted bands with Slyboots and KAYE opening, they reclaimed their place as one of the more exciting bands to watch in the years to come.

Admittedly, I hadn’t listened to Slyboots before the night had begun, but I was pleasantly surprised by their delivery. Elements of dream pop and rock combined with Tiffany Lyons’ vocals on both the punchy, upbeat numbers as well as the slower, introspective songs made their set feel more like a main act instead of an opener. This cohesiveness only helped the energy stay at a high level throughout the night, leaving everyone wanting more. Personally, I also appreciated the shoutout from Tiffany about Rockaway Beach being her hometown. You better believe, I was the sole yelp from the crowd to acknowledge that much needed representation.

Slyboots

Next to join the stage in spectacular fashion was KAYE, who I was introduced to years ago as Charlene Kaye during her stint with San Fermin. I immediately understood why her name continues to ring bells in the music scene as the first second of her set was overflowing with charisma and unbridled stage presence in spectacular fashion. Flanked by two dancers, they used every inch of that stage and took every opportunity to interact with the crowd, be it a full conversation with a man hilariously dressed as a unicorn, or showcasing her matchmaking skills by advertising her dancers were both single and ready to mingle. Pausing for a moment to relay the story of how her stage name came to fruition, and explaining to us how she ended up exploring the depths of her talents and ended up in the comedy space, it was refreshing to see firsthand and understand how much of a powerhouse jack-of-all-trades she really is, not to mention the ease she was able to deliver these ripping guitar solos throughout her set. A definite must see in any capacity.

KAYE

Finally, the moment we were all waiting for. When the first notes played out behind the shroud of a curtain, the room was buzzing in rapt anticipation. Clad in all black with their signature theatrical makeup, the first glimpse of the band in their full glory hit everyone in the collective feels. Launching right into their set with a new song called “L.A.” they sent the message loud and clear that they were indeed back and here to stay. Since I’ve seen the band last, they’ve added a new member but still kept the same “leave it all onstage” performance that I loved about them. Lead singer Ann Courtney stopped a few times to address the crowd a few times to talk about the state of the NY music scene, unearthing your “inner Mother Feather” and offering generous thanks to everyone for checking in on them these past 4 years, this was evidently a show that they needed just as much as well all did. Running through their past well-loved songs like “Living, Breathing,” and “Mother Feather,” new songs like “Resigned To Rot” fit in perfectly well and made their set fly by all too quickly. Judging by the sold-out show, I shamelessly and selfishly hope this is the beginning of a lot more NYC shows to come. Looking around the room, I found myself amongst many faces and friends I remember seeing in these Mother Feather crowds in years past, and I’m certain we’ll see each other time and time again as Mother Feather continues their reign.