Mother Fist and Her Five Daughters
Marc Almond · 1987
50 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A theatrical exploration of desire and despair, blending lush melodies with dark cabaret and new wave influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mother Fist Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a dramatic tone with its blend of haunting vocals and rich instrumentation, encapsulating the thematic core of maternal influence and empowerment.
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Saint Judy — This song stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotive delivery, illustrating Almond's ability to weave personal narratives into broader social commentaries on love and loss.
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The Sea Says — With its atmospheric soundscapes, this track delves into themes of longing and introspection, representing Almond's mastery in marrying lyrical depth with lush musical arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends theatricality with lush melodies, showcasing Almond's distinctive vocal style and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature theatrical vocal delivery, with Almond alternating between soft crooning and powerful belting to convey emotional intensity.
- The album incorporates diverse instrumentation, including strings and synthesizers, which create a rich soundscape that complements the lyrical themes of desire and despair.
- Tracks like 'Melancholy Rose' and 'Mr Sad' utilize minor keys and slow tempos to evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression through complex emotions
- theatrical storytelling with rich arrangements
- mid-tempo pacing for reflective moments
- suitable for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Almond's reputation as a distinctive voice in dark cabaret.
- Themes
- maternal influence· theatrical desire· dark cabaret narratives
- Career context
- Released in 1987, 'Mother Fist and Her Five Daughters' marked Marc Almond's transition from the duo Soft Cell to a solo career. This album followed his debut solo effort, 'Vermin in Ermine,' showcasing his artistic evolution and deepening lyrical complexity as he navigated the post-punk landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 Mother Fist Start here 4:30
- 2 There Is a Bed 4:50
- 3 Saint Judy 5:53
- 4 The Room Below 3:30
- 5 Angel in Her Kiss 3:36
- 6 The Hustler 3:20
- 7 Melancholy Rose 3:10
- 8 Mr Sad 3:49
- 9 The Sea Says 4:03
- 10 Champ 4:23
- 11 Ruby Red 3:41
- 12 The River 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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