With Back to the Feeling, Make Out Monday offer a nuanced evolution of their signature sound. The band’s LA roots seep through the track, producing an alt-pop sheen that pairs perfectly with pop punk energy, and the song feels both immediate and timeless.
The track’s genesis—a stripped-back acoustic riff from Seth Renken—belies its eventual lushness. Shada’s soaring vocals carry the listener through a narrative of nostalgia and longing, while the band’s instrumentation steadily builds layers of emotional resonance.
Odom and Mount’s production highlights this duality. Subtle synths float over crisp guitars, with the rhythm section maintaining an infectious momentum that never detracts from the reflective lyrical content. The song feels carefully constructed yet effortlessly natural.
Thematically, the track is a meditation on irretrievable moments. There’s a bittersweet energy, a recognition that some memories are untouchable, yet their echoes can still inspire. It’s a sentiment that resonates universally, giving the song depth beyond its pop sensibilities.
Ultimately, Back to the Feeling demonstrates Make Out Monday’s ability to expand their sonic horizons without abandoning the emotional core that defines them. It’s a song that rewards both casual listens and analytical attention alike.
