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Like so many coming-of-age stories that leave a long-lasting impact, Brooklyn-based Momma’s new album Welcome to My Blue Sky takes place during a charmed and turbulent summer—a transformative moment in time that co-founders Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten sum up as a period of “parallel chaos”.

Mainly recorded live with the full band at Studio G in Brooklyn and produced by their bandmate Aron Kobayashi Ritch, Welcome to My Blue Sky marks the follow-up to Household Name—a critically acclaimed release that manifested their ascent. With the help of drummer Preston Fulks, Momma arrived at the album’s 12 immaculately composed yet immediately potent songs by matching the raw urgency of rock with the sticky melodies and taut arrangements of pop—a dynamic born from their deepened commitment to finding the most direct vessel for their emotional expression. “With this album we were less concerned with sounding cool and heavy and rock & roll and much more focused on good, clean songwriting that hopefully inspires people to sing along and mean every word,” Weingarten reveals.

Equal parts shared memoir, communal outpouring, and riveting emotional travelogue, each track is infused with both unsparing self-awareness and immense sensitivity, and the result is a bold leap forward for one of the most creatively uncompromising and singular voices in indie-rock.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Welcome to the world of young love, heartbreak & infidelity; sun scorched road trips; high school jealously; and riffs bigger than the 90s jeans you’re currently rocking.

I shouldn’t like Momma; it’s like the aural equivalent of watching The OC or Dawson’s Creek whilst slamming back tequila shots. But it’s so unavoidably infectious. Though the band are now based in Brooklyn, Etta & Allegra’s ultra Californian vocal harmonies soar over the songs like the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, with lyrics that instantaneously knock years off your actual age. I think the Japanese call it natsukashii - rose-tinted nostalgia that fills your heart with joy. There’s a touch of classic skater punk aesthetics, a bit of Weezer’s (who they’ve supported on tour) preppy innocence and demeanour; all whilst being more than capable of sizzling your nose hairs with their stupendously large guitar hooks and kicking drum work.

At first I’d have thought music this sweet and immediate would have burned out quickly, but no – the album’s been on constant rotation in my life throughout the year. From afternoons here in the shop, to driving through the Welsh countryside, to miserable mornings where you need an instant pick-me-up. In interviews they say they wanted to write an album in which you’ll learn every lyric – I have! Word on the street is they’re amazing live too; and let’s get it straight – this band are still firmly in their infancy and ascendency – there’s gonna be more to come, and I for one can’t wait.

TRACK LISTING

1. Sincerely
2. I Want You (Fever)
3. Rodeo
4. Stay All Summer
5. New Friend
6. How To Breathe
7. Last Kiss
8. Bottle Blonde
9. Ohio All The Time
10. Welcome To My Blue Sky
11. Take Me With You
12. My Old Street