Momma’s songwriting is stronger and more confident, and the production is summer-ready, begging you to put the windows down and crank it up.
Momma have been one of indie rock’s brightest stars for a while now, and this seems like their moment to capitalize on the relentless touring in support of 2022’s Household Name. That record didn’t quite get them to the titular status, but they won over audiences all over with their fresh take on 1990s-inspired grunge pop.
Songs like “Speeding 72” and “Medicine” would have been alt-radio smashes in a different decade, and they sound great now, too. Welcome to My Blue Sky is more of a next chapter than a new book. The songwriting is stronger and more confident, and the production is summer-ready, begging you to put the windows down and crank it up.
Despite the title, Welcome to My Blue Sky is inspired by a transition period and growing up for co-bandleaders and songwriters Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten. The lyrics allude to the strain that being a buzzed-about band put on their friendship, but fortunately, they have come out stronger on the other side.
It seems fitting that the first taste of the record came in the form of “Ohio All the Time”, which adheres closest to the Household Name sound. There is demonstrable growth in their songwriting chops, too. Opener “Sincerely” introduces this maturity with a swirl of noise that builds mid-song and piano, which adds bittersweetness.
Then, the summer vibe takes over with “I Want You (Fever)”, which delivers on the promise of what Momma do best–big hooks and a little illicit desire. It’s irresistible. The same goes for “Stay All Summer” and “Rodeo”. Good luck getting those choruses out of your head. They have a gifted collaborator, bassist/producer Aron Kobayashi Ritch, who gives these songs the massive, full-screen sound they deserve.
If all Welcome to My Blue Sky delivered were one sunny pop confection after another, that would be more than enough to recommend it, but the second half of the record showcases Momma’s range. “Last Kiss” has a mournful, shoegaze drive, and “New Friend” is a look back at a lost romantic connection built on an insistent acoustic strum with some quietly heartrending lyrics. “How to Breathe” is another disarming ballad. “Bottle Blonde” puts synthesizers out front and sounds like the closest Momma comes to flirting with contemporary radio pop. It is a loving tribute to the friendship Weingarten and Friedman share.
The energy flags a little in the record’s final stretch, but the title track and “Take Me with You” are pretty songs. Perhaps placing a louder song between them would have helped keep things humming along, but every summer record needs a moment of reflection or a couple of tracks that can soundtrack a quieter moment or a bittersweet breakup. Fortunately, “My Old Street” brings back the big guitars that will sound great as the sun goes down.
Momma proved early on that they have the chops to put their own unique spin on 1990s alternative rock sounds. It is exciting to hear them taking chances and incorporating other elements. With each record, they seem willing to take some calculated risks that pay off, and they sound more assured of themselves than ever.