Toronto’s Altered by Mom have been steadily building a reputation for clever, hook-driven rock songs, and with Better they deliver their most confident and fully realized release yet. The album kicks off with a rush of high-energy tracks that practically beg for a sing-along. Songs like “OK OK” and “Sucking on a Lemon” combine punchy rhythms with big, instantly memorable choruses. There’s a streak of cheeky humour running through the lyrics, but underneath it all sits a spirit of resilience and optimism. Even when they’re calling out negativity, Altered by Mom, Gina Kennedy (bass/vox) and Devon Lougheed (guitar/vox), with Max Trefler on drums, manage to spin things into something playful and affirming.
One of the band’s strengths lies in balancing a polished, pop-friendly sound with just enough grit to keep it exciting. At times, Better recalls the infectious bounce of early-2000s alt-rock, even reminding me of Paramore, but it never feels like simple nostalgia. Instead, the record leans forward, with thoughtful arrangements, gang vocals backed by some other Toronto musicians like Skye Wallace, that weave in little surprises—like flute lines or unexpected tempo shifts—keeping the songs fresh and varied.
If there’s one critique, it’s that the album’s relentless positivity can feel a touch repetitive at times, and some listeners might wish for a bit more venom in the later tracks. But that’s a small quibble in what is otherwise a sharply crafted, consistently enjoyable listen. With Better, Altered by Mom prove they’re more than just clever hooks and cheeky charm.
