Led by former Chico State buddies Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono, this venerable North Bay band writes a new chapter in its nearly two-decade history with its seventh studio album - an intelligent, 11-song collection of skillfully crafted indie rock.

"Pacific Dust," recorded at Mission Bells studio with producer/engineer David Simon-Baker, may finally get the Mother Hips the attention they deserve, but then again this band may be too smart for its own good. Listen to "Young Charles Ives," a complex song about the American modernist composer and his army bandleader father, and you may understand what I mean. How many rock bands write songs about semi-obscure composers of experimental classical music? For the most part, Ives (1874-1954) was

ignored during his lifetime. The Mother Hips worry about meeting the same fate as unsung indie music pioneers who have flown under the radar for too long.

If they are to break out of their California cult status, it will be on the strength of melodic pop rockers like the opening track, "White Falcon Fuzz," and the funky, driving California soul of "Third Floor Story," which opens with the expletive "god damn" and asks "what do I have to do to get a break?" - a question that every aspiring rock band asks itself.

But the Mother Hips - singer-guitarists Bluhm and Loiacono, bassist Paul Hoaglin and drummer John Hofer - are no aspiring garage band beginners. These guys are seasoned pros with a gift for writing smart songs (the title

track) and mind-sticking melodies (the Beatle-esque "Jess Oxox").

"Pacific Dust" is the work of a band that has paid its dues and is at the top of its game. Connoisseurs of serious rock need it in their collections.

Buy It: "Pacific Dust," the Mother Hips, Camera Records, available in CD, vinyl and digital download at www.motherhips.com; $11.99 to $24.99.

 

- Paul Liberatore

Tell us about your band! If you're a musician or band from Marin or Sonoma with a recording that readers can buy or download, send your CD and contact information (if you have an upcoming gig, let us know that, too) to Press Play, P.O. Box 6150, Novato 94948-6150.