New Release: I’m Pretty Happy, Except When I’m Not by Mom Friend

Atlanta’s Mom Friend dropped the single “Cass” last fall with a tip of the hat to the late Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas. The track begins with a recording of Elliot rebuking some fool: “I mean, that’s like asking me, you know, if I were tall and skinny, what would I be doing?”

The song stands as a testament to Elliot’s outspoken, fearless spirit, and singer-songwriter Emily Backus is clearly a fan. With its guitar-driven, poppy vibe, “Cass” is instantly infectious. A true indie-rock gem. Backus’s voice fits the alternative mold perfectly, carrying thoughtful lyrics that address her own self-doubt: “If I laugh too loud, will you call me too much? / When I get too proud, will you shut me up? / When I’m in the ground, will you know who I was?”

Tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Meet Your Boyfriend,” “Dirtbag,” and “Dumbass” conjure the image of Backus throwing up her hand in exasperation and saying, “I’ve had it up to here!” Maybe not literally, but like Elliot, Backus pulls no punches, narrating life with honesty and sharp wit. Sometimes observational, sometimes deeply self-reflective, she consistently captures that feeling of “I get it,” which may explain why so many listeners connect with this band.

Formerly of Catherine the Great, Backus began building a devoted fanbase with Mom Friend’s self-titled EP, released about a week into the pandemic. Music for the masked and isolated masses.

With song titles like “Trash Can’t,” Backus also reveals a clever sense of humor without ever sounding forced. More importantly, the song is another terrific piece of work, featuring a tight arrangement and a vocal performance that ranges from lilting sweetness to a near-rock scream. She cuts through the speakers when crooning, “The way I notice you.” Just listen. You’ll see.

On the group’s Bandcamp page, Backus writes, “Special thanks to Trevor Flanders for letting us track some drums at his house and to the partygoers from Jake and Olive’s Halloween party that recorded gang vocals for ‘Breach.'” It’s a small detail, but one that reinforces her everywoman appeal.

With Mary Koenig on drums and Olive Lynch on bass, this trio continues to produce compelling music. Additional contributions come from Catherine Backus on trumpet solo and Jake Cook on keyboard, organ, piano, and backing vocals. Cook also recorded and mixed I’m Pretty Happy, and joined the band in producing.

The album closes with “3 Minutes,” a dreamy standout. Backus sings, “I turn my Walkman on / And all my pain is gone / Yeah, I just disappear / With headphones on my ears / In three minutes nothing is wrong / And I become the song,” and it’s hard to disagree. Music has always helped people escape life’s troubles; great music does it every day. Now go grab those headphones.

For more information, hit up Mom Friend’s Bandcamp page and show some love.

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