Render Another Ugly Method cover

Render Another Ugly Method

Mothers · 2018

57 min · 11 tracks

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that explores the complexities of personal and societal expectations.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    BEAUTY ROUTINE — Opening with a frenetic energy, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of self-image and societal pressures through a dissonant yet melodic structure.
  • →
    BAPTIST TRAUMA — Combining haunting melodies with stark lyrical imagery, this song delves into themes of familial influence and trauma, showcasing the band's emotional range.
  • →
    MOTHER AND WIFE — This lengthy track acts as a poignant centerpiece, weaving together narratives of identity and expectation that resonate throughout the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 39% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate songwriting and distinct lyrical themes but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that features layered guitar melodies and intricate rhythms, setting a complex tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, particularly noticeable in 'BAPTIST TRAUMA', which transitions from a slow build to a frenetic climax.
  • Lyrically, the songs often feature conversational structures, with verses that feel like personal reflections rather than traditional storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • close attention to uneasy titles
  • shifting guitar details on headphones
  • patient listening across long tracks
  • introspective moods around social expectations

Maybe skip if you

  • want quick standalone bursts
  • prefer uncomplicated, upbeat moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Its acclaimed songwriting and expanded musical approach mark a major artistic statement in Mothers' small catalog.
Career context
Render Another Ugly Method is Mothers' sophomore album, following their debut When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired released in 2016. By this point, lead vocalist Kristine Leschper had solidified her role not just as a frontwoman but as a key songwriter, expanding the band's sound palette while deepening lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Big Thief· Phoebe Bridgers· Snail Mail

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 BEAUTY ROUTINE 3:15
  • 2 PINK 6:50
  • 3 "IT IS A PLEASURE TO BE HERE" 5:15
  • 4 BLAME KIT 4:14
  • 5 BAPTIST TRAUMA 3:19
  • 6 WESTERN MEDICINE 5:34
  • 7 CIRCLE ONCE 4:56
  • 8 MUTUAL AGREEMENT 5:40
  • 9 MOTHER AND WIFE 7:53
  • 10 WEALTH CENTER / RISK CAPITAL 4:15
  • 11 FAT CHANCE 6:02

What to play next

When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired
Go back to

When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired

2016
Full Mothers discography Artists like Mothers

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata