Mama by DON’T CALL ME TINA: Review

by Gabe Finch January 8, 2024

January 8, 2024

Don’t Call Me Tina’s “Mama” is a raw, blues-rock heart-render of rebellion and self-discovery.

The shimmering, cyclical guitars loop like barbed wire around a heart struggling to break free. They build layer upon layer, morphing from delicate whispers to gnarled riffs that mirror the internal conflict brewing within the protagonist.

But the true weapon of this song is Christina Brennan’s voice. Deep, thick, and brimming with emotion, it resonates with every word sung. The lyrics, Brennan’s own creation, bear the scars of an upbringing confined by an oppressive institution(or so thought by the writer). We hear the frustration of a girl constantly judged as “a little wrong,” the yearning for guidance denied by a distant religious figure.

Yet, “Mama” isn’t simply a cry of despair. It’s a defiant stomp, a middle finger raised to stifling expectations. As the protagonist realizes she must carve her own path, the music surges. The guitars gnarl, drums pound, and Brennan’s voice deepens trying to break free. The line “you are not here/You are some fake truth” becomes a declaration of self-acceptance, while defying the truths established by unknown forces.

This is where “Mama” transcends the realm of personal experience. It becomes an anthem for anyone who has ever felt trapped, judged, or misunderstood. The song reminds that sometimes, breaking the mold is the only way to truly build yourself. Listen to “Mama” by Don’t Call Me Tina on Spotify.