Mother Mother Make the Most of CMW With 'Matrix'-Worthy Moves

It may have been three years since Vancouver indie-pop band Mother Mother released their sophomore record, 'O My Heart,' but as soon as the thumping bass of the title track kicked off their headlining set Wednesday night at the Pheonix Concert Theatre as part of Canadian Music Week, it was as if no time had passed at all.

Playing to a sold-out crowd, the band treated fans to a slew of new songs from their upcoming release 'Eureka!' (due March 15) following the one-two punch of the aforementioned opener and energetic high of 'Hay Loft.' The repetitive chorus of new track 'Baby Don't Dance' was ironic, of course, as the crowd did the exact opposite all night, dancing to every song, new and old.

But it was the fresh songs that highlight the band's newfound maturity, strengthened songwriting and pitch-perfect singing. The vocal force of Ryan Guldemond, his sister Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Park is truly compelling, not just for their distinct higher register, but for the tight harmonies and confidence in their attack. The animated moves onstage certainly don't hurt their cause either.

Ryan Guldemond, who fronts the group, kindly guided listeners throughout the set, tipping them off to fresh songs and alerting them to fan favourites when the group pulled out older gems such as 'Wrecking Ball.'

He easily enthralled the crowd with his antics, too, throwing his body wherever the music took him, whether it was rocking riffs on the edge of the stage or leaning sideways while playing as if he was in a 'Matrix' movie. His sister Molly and Parkin attracted their own attention as they were firecrackers, jumping and dancing every chance they had between words. And whenever the pair playfully jumped around onstage, the crowd mirrored their excitement.

With the new record and masterful live show, the five-piece are definitely leaping towards breakout success -- that much is clear by the way people embraced Mother Mother's return with open arms at the Phoenix.

Watch Mother Mother's Video for 'O My Heart'