Cork bubblegrunge meets post-punk 5-piece Other Mother release their anticipated debut EP Can’t Help But Feel Dramatic.
Built around an evocative blend of grunge, post-punk, electronic textures and what the band call “unapologetic feminine rage”, the five track EP showcases a strikingly complete and well constructed sound despite being the band’s debut.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Wavefield Recordings (Cliffords), the EP brings together biting guitar tones, theatrical intensity and richly layered soundscapes. Moving fluidly between evocative spoken word and soaring melodies, it shifts from gritty urgency to intricate, psychedelic flourishes, balancing raw intensity with moments of ethereal beauty.
From the evocative spoken word and pop-punk undertones of opener ‘not sorry’, through the post-punk grit of ‘anymore’, to the atmospheric alt-rock swell of ‘fish to fry’, and the at first emotional and ethereal, and then intense and driving ‘worm song‘, Can’t Help But Feel Dramatic reveals the full breadth of the band’s musical identity. Intricate, yet fuzzy and intense guitar work, textured arrangements and melodic flourishes combine to create a sound that is both visceral and expansive, embracing the tension between beauty and grit, chaos and atmosphere.
Speaking about the EP lead vocalist Willow explains:
“We had an amazing time recording this EP; We went over to the countryside of West Cork and had a sleepover at our favourite place, Wavefield recording studios. Brian, Sarah and their dog Juno create the perfect atmosphere for creating music. It was a dream to be able to wake up, take a walk surrounded by nature and then come back and record our favourite songs of ours.
Fionn and I usually start the songwriting process together at our apartment with Bláthnaid. I sometimes struggle with bringing the songs I write fully to life, but Fionn is really good at understanding the sound I’m trying to achieve while still putting his own spin on it. That makes it much easier when we get together with the full band, because we already have an idea to build from and bounce around.
Then, the parts that Bláthnaid, Cathal and Conor bring to the songs make everything click into place. They often take the music in directions we wouldn’t have expected, but those unexpected elements add so much depth and make the songs feel like a real reflection of all of us.“
Forming in the heart of Cork, Other Mother began their journey together as a 5-piece cover band before branching out into original material inspired by the artists they had previously covered, including Radiohead, Fiona Apple and Honey Glaze.
Their music centres on the exploration of the human condition and mental health, encapsulated in a blend of pure, unapologetic female rage. The band channel complicated emotions and personal experiences into flourishing, intense and dark musicality.
Their sound is built around an alt-rock foundation, expanded with synths and electronic elements that bring a distinctive dimension to the guitar-dominated genre. Having shared stages with acts including BABYRAT, RIARUA, Martina and the Moons, For Nina and Dogswim, the band have continued to refine their sound, which they describe as “Bubblegrunge” a genre of feminine rage and dance-rock.
In 2025, Other Mother won MTU’s Battle of the Bands, marking a significant milestone in their development and establishing them as a growing presence within the Irish music scene. Since then, they have shared stages with RIARUA, BABYRAT, For Nina, Dogswim, Croithe and Gag Reflex, while performing at notable venues including Cyprus Avenue, The Savoy, The Grand Social and Róisín Dubh.
The band have also appeared at festivals and events including ESMAfest, The Next Big Thing, Swarmfest and Féile Solas, further building their reputation as an exciting live act. Their growing profile has been supported by press support across the likes of Notion, God Is In The TV, It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine, RTE, Genuine Irish, IMRO’s New Music, GoldenPlec and Hot Press.
Other Mother are:
Willow Esteve – Vocals
Fionn Cogan – Guitar
Bláthnaid Marsh – Keyboard and piano
Cathal O’ Sullivan – Bass guitar
Conor O’ Regan – Drums
