Listen: M o t h e r – “Victim”

The latest in a long-standing history of actors-cum-rock stars, Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley has recently found himself moonlighting as the frontman of a new electronic project entitled
M o t h e r.
While it may be easy to roll your eyes at the feigned sex appeal that backs a man once considered a major Hollywood heartthrob, what lies beneath the surface is a smouldering cut of synth-pop that is as catchy as they come.

A calm, relaxed demeanour immediately makes “Victim” stand out as Badgley coos softly over a synth line that’s comfortable in its unhurried pace. While the track’s bridge kicks things into more exciting territory, “Victim” is a little stifled by a chorus based around Drive-like synths, but is soon hoisted up by soulful vocals and saxophones. It has a haunting and engaging core.

Words: Jamie Cunningham