Album Review: Mozart’s Sister – Being

Mozart's Sister

Los Angeles — Mozart truly did have a talented sister, and it was a talent widely unknown. Like the forgotten Mozart, Mozart’s Sister (aka Caila Thompson Hannant) bursts into diva moments as though she has something to prove and if that was her intention, than she has certainly succeeded. In a world where an array of electro-pop is in constant circulation, Mozart’s Sister manages to surprise with every note on Being, her full-length debut. The one-woman act has unreal vocal range that is uniquely showcased on every song and coated with a contrasting mix of sounds. It’s an 80’s and 90’s reminiscent compilation, but it is freshly unapologetic.

Beyond the inventive use of synthesizers, Mozart’s Sister is a smart single girl anthem — and she’s declaring her independence with style. Mozart’s Sister is like Robyn, but with more attitude, or Grimes, but with a jovial revamp. Where her peers sing about the heartache endured after a breakup, Mozart’s Sister celebrates her rediscovered freedom.

The exuberant multi-instrumentalist hails from Canada and maybe so comparable to Grimes because they’re hometown friends. We first heard her on 2011 self-released EP Dear Fear, full of snappy keys, and thankfully her first LP is an evolved extension. With modern technology at her disposal, the self-produced and recorded album was created using Ableton software to aptly serve us with vivid beats, retro synths, billowing soul, and squeaky clean composition.

The 11-track album starts with “Good Thing Bad Thing” and the choice makes sense. Mozart’s Sister’s glamorous range vocally and instrumentally is introduced with the ticking of a clock, hums, and claps. Tickling scats inspire the body to move before she belts about the luminous ups and inevitable downs of life.

Mozart's Sister - Being cover

The party never stops, but there is no blind optimism here. Mozart’s Sister isn’t afraid of open wounds. This is a woman who doesn’t run from pain, she isn’t going to sit at home and cushion the loss of romance with a tub of ice cream either. Mozart’s Sister is a survivor and someone else can cry her tears for her because she is too busy living. The most vibrant display of her sass must be with one single line in the first single, “Enjoy”: “One, two, three, don’t fu*k with me.”

Keep in mind that Mozart’s Sister is still a very new artist who might be, at times, distracted by her toys. There are so many elements packed into each song that don’t necessarily hinder her performance, but also aren’t totally necessary — especially with such an attention-grabbing voice. Still, music is meant to wipe away stress and anguish from the day’s obstacles and “Enjoy” does just that.

The character Mozart’s Sister carves out is genuine, vulnerable, confident, wild, and wise. If she is punctured then she will bleed, but she will bandage that gash up and keep on her path with a little extra bounce in her step.

Mozart’s Sister’s debut LP, Being, is out now. Purchase the full album HERE.

Ariela Kozin

Ariela Kozin

Ariela was born and raised on Los Angeles' creative hunger and booming sounds. She grew up humming the Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan records her mother played on repeat until a driver's license gave her the freedom to obsessively explore the live music scene. It only seemed natural that when Ariela went to journalism school, she paired her love of writing with her passion for discovering amazing new music.
Ariela Kozin