In an ode to their beloved birthplace, Nashville, The Criticals—a rock band founded by Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart in 2018—reflect on the joyous memories and opportunities the music-filled city brought them, even as it changes before their eyes, in their new single “Mother of Style.”
The Criticals have a deep respect for Nashville, having grown up surrounded by its iconic venues like the Exit/In and Basement East, as well as its unique atmosphere. Bandmates Parker and Cole played in various Nashville-based bands before coming together to create The Criticals—a project centered on bringing youthfulness to the music scene in a refreshing, high-energy way, influenced by The Stone Roses, Jane’s Addiction and The Doors.
The light-hearted, poppy electric guitar intro of “Mother of Stye” makes it feel like the song will lean into an indie-pop, feel-good vibe—until the deep, rich vocals come in, transforming it into a more dynamic, distinctive track. Instead of writing a love song about another person, which is a common songwriting theme, they created one about a place that shaped them into who they are.
The standout verse, “There’s more construction going on than Abu Dhabi / We built the art and community and it bothers me / The lottery for our beloved mother of style / We’re the only ones that know that she was always worthwhile,” captures their grief over seeing their mother city change, while also evoking waves of nostalgia. The versatile vocals and reflective songwriting are the glue holding this song together, successfully showcasing their appreciation for Nashville.
On “Mother of Style,” Parker shares:
“Our beloved mother of style, Nashville, has gone through many facelifts and small deaths since we first started playing music. From mold covered basements and backyards in 30 degree weather to Kimbro’s Cafe to Exit/In and Basement East, the last half decade and all the city’s changes have been nothing short of bittersweet and exciting. Caught in the eye of a nostalgia wave I had been riding for a few weeks while beginning writing the album, I so often thought of friends, bands, houses that everyone used to party in, and stories upon stories that we all shared for that short lived time in Nashville together. It was a really special and locomotive time.”
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