Toronto-based psych crew and Emerging Canadian Artists Mother Tongues seamlessly incorporated a wide range of sounds on their debut EP, Everything You Wanted, but now they're paying direct homage to one of their biggest influences. For the latest instalment of Exclaim! and Dan Burke's Class of T.O. video series, where Toronto bands took to the Monarch Tavern stage to cover their favourite songs, Mother Tongues performed two songs by British pop-rockers Broadcast.
"Broadcast have been one of our favourite bands for a while, a huge influence on our sound," says lead guitarist Lukas Cheung. "This was a great opportunity to really get into the headspace of the arrangements, we learned a lot picking the tunes apart." Mother Tongues performed "Come On Let's Go" from Broadcast's 2000 debut album, The Noise Made by People, "I Found the F" from 2005's Tender Buttons and "Pendulum" from 2003's Haha Sound (featuring Cheung using an empty cup and violin bow for some guitar histrionics).
In recent months, Mother Tongues have taken advantage of Ontario's relaxed physical distancing measures in order to stay sharp. Cheung says, "We've bubbled as a band and have continued to meet up and rehearse. We've been lucky enough to play a few filmed performances so that's kept us motivated." But that doesn't mean that Mother Tongues is all that band members have focused on in lockdown — "I'm trying to teach myself the drums!," says Cheung.
Even though Mother Tongues have recently put out material, they're already working on their next big project. Reveals Cheung, "We're already back in writing mode and jamming out new ideas. We've got some exciting things coming your way in the new year!"
Watch Mother Tongues perform "Come On Let's Go," "I Found the F" and "Pendulum" at the Monarch Tavern below. Check out earlier instalments in the Class of T.O. series, including Witchrot's Lea Reto performing Mazzy Star and For Jane performing Blur, and stay tuned for more instalments, including Nyssa covering the Psychedelic Furs on September 3. Class of T.O. is supported by the City of Toronto and Great Lakes Brewery.
"Broadcast have been one of our favourite bands for a while, a huge influence on our sound," says lead guitarist Lukas Cheung. "This was a great opportunity to really get into the headspace of the arrangements, we learned a lot picking the tunes apart." Mother Tongues performed "Come On Let's Go" from Broadcast's 2000 debut album, The Noise Made by People, "I Found the F" from 2005's Tender Buttons and "Pendulum" from 2003's Haha Sound (featuring Cheung using an empty cup and violin bow for some guitar histrionics).
In recent months, Mother Tongues have taken advantage of Ontario's relaxed physical distancing measures in order to stay sharp. Cheung says, "We've bubbled as a band and have continued to meet up and rehearse. We've been lucky enough to play a few filmed performances so that's kept us motivated." But that doesn't mean that Mother Tongues is all that band members have focused on in lockdown — "I'm trying to teach myself the drums!," says Cheung.
Even though Mother Tongues have recently put out material, they're already working on their next big project. Reveals Cheung, "We're already back in writing mode and jamming out new ideas. We've got some exciting things coming your way in the new year!"
Watch Mother Tongues perform "Come On Let's Go," "I Found the F" and "Pendulum" at the Monarch Tavern below. Check out earlier instalments in the Class of T.O. series, including Witchrot's Lea Reto performing Mazzy Star and For Jane performing Blur, and stay tuned for more instalments, including Nyssa covering the Psychedelic Furs on September 3. Class of T.O. is supported by the City of Toronto and Great Lakes Brewery.
