ABOUT

Though it would be filed under indie-rock in a record store, and despite the relative rockingness of some of the material, Young Mothers' songs make a pretty strong argument that Zachary Toporek could pass as a traditional singer-songwriter if he chose that route. The music of Young Mothers calls back to a time before “pop” became a dirty word, when ambitious songwriters armed with melodies, chops and sincerity reached for something more than the stale ambivalence that prevails on the increasingly depressing radio dial. The sound is full-bodied, at once cinematic and gritty, polished and humble. Sometimes Toporek croons, hitting every note dead-on without the whine so often heard in rockers' voices. Sometimes you'll see a vein or two popping out in his neck while the band belts it out. Either way, it's damn good.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT RAW

The emphasis on building a community.

MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND

Getting an idea.