Mommy’s Little Boy have recently released their sophomore album and it’s just as unique as the band name. For those who like MGMT, Passion Pit, and The Naked And Famous, you’ll love the work Jake Derting has produced with this solo project. The entirety of Rest Up Champ! feels like I’m traveling through a dreamscape. The concept of time has dissolved and I’m just going through the motions.
“Stuck in A Memory” is the first track on the album. Beginning with an upbeat 80s tune, there’s a builds up at the very end that dissipates as quickly as it started. “Lovely Lady” continues with this build-up theme by using this element before each chorus and slowing back down once the next verse draws near. We take a small break with “Dreams are Fading”, a more chill indie rock tune with some distorted, frantic drumming sprinkled in the background. “Like Butterflies” picks us up again with not one, but two captivating musical breakdowns including Derting’s vocals taking the place of an electric guitar solo.
Immediately after is “Slow Dance”, a more whimsical tune introducing us to the second half of the album. At 2:18, the track breaks from its synth-heavy production to a more blissful, distant-sounding melody. “Heaven is Real I Think Ok Maybe Not IDK”, also known as my favorite title for any song, is a rock-centered track that doesn’t deviate too far from the overall vibe of the album. The last few songs feel like a farewell. We’ve traveled this sonic journey with Derting, and now it’s time to say goodbye.
The way that the tracklist was organized for this album works perfectly. I’m not bombarded with one high energy song after another and then suddenly hit with a slow track. Instead, each song flows to the next; it’s a pattern of one electronic song transitioning to a melodic tune which goes into a natural instrumental with some electronic elements. Its these ups and downs that had facilitated such an engaging listening experience for me. Be sure to click the link below to check out Rest Up Champ!
Mommy’s Little Boy
Listen to Rest Up Champ!
