Adult Mom – ‘Momentary Lapse Of Happily’ Review

Posted: by Sean Gonzalez

The debut record Momentary Lapse Of Happily hits hard as a semi-auto-biographical narrative with a social complex. Steph Knipe, the creative force behind Adult Mom, takes stabs at their own selves for being the way they are, only to find out that happiness can be found, even if only for a few moments. It’s the same mentality that has kept a few certain hardcore bands going, but Adult Mom’s lax style is a testament that indie pop, and Steph Knipe in general, have just as much emotional weight to distribute through the headphones.

“I survive because I have died,” states Knipe on second track, ‘Survival.’ Listening to the song’s lyrics gives only a glimpse at what the singer has had to overcome by being the way they are. Mom has stopped caring about the narrator, self-doubt plagues their war like energy, and they feel like a bad queer. The sense of loss is affected by these external and internal forces shaped by our diabolical culture, but Momentary Lapse Of Happily is a reminder to cherish what it is that keeps us happy, even if the outcome wasn’t the way we wanted. Even in the stories of love, Knipe cries out “I can only move on, but I won’t let go of what we did,” on ‘Meg Ryan.’

A majority of the tracks have soft guitar chords being swooned along by Knipe’s voice. Songs like ‘Meg Ryan’ and ‘Told Ya So’ have more upbeat and vivacious drums to keep the pace from feeling drawn out. ‘When You Are Happy’ is another addition to this side of the record, capturing the reflective tone of recalling the past with the sun shining through the memories. The emotionally driven closing track ‘Lose/Recover’ tells the story of finding ourselves after being lost and embracing the few positive thoughts we can in the world of fleeting joy. 

Score: 8/10

Purchase the album here: https://tinyengines.bandcamp.com/album/momentary-lapse-of-happily