Twelve years after calling it quits, The Mommyheads are back at it, pulling from their six-album canon and rocking out like it’s 1992.
The 1980s and ’90s saw the mellow rock band rise on indie labels, and, after years of critical success and stellar live shows, sign to Geffen (ooh, big time) in 1997. But, one album and one year later, they were dropped.
After briefly reuniting to play a series of memorial shows for its deceased drummer, they went back to their day jobs as computer programmers and composers for commercials, thinking they were really done this time.
But Sweden just wouldn’t stop calling.
“They were like, ‘We’re going to make sure you get back together and come here,’ ” said singer Adam Elk, whose band is inexplicably huge over there. “It was like getting the guys out of the old-age home — let’s get the band back together!”
Elk has even gotten back into writing, revisiting 1970s prog rock for some inspiration, and the foursome will be at Park Slope’s Rock Shop on Aug. 19. Expect some new songs, plus the group’s tight musicianship and XTC-like layered sound.
These Mommyheads aren’t cutting the cord again anytime soon.
The Mommyheads at Rock Shop [249 Fourth Ave. between President and Carroll streets in Park Slope, (718) 230-5740], Aug. 19 at 8 pm. Tickets $8. For info, visit www.therockshopny.com.— Meredith Deliso
