“Alameda County Fair” by Mom Jeans is sure to brighten your mood, as well as the moods of your happy friends and emo friends alike. In this latest single, their first release since their 2022 album Sweet Tooth, these midwest emo-inspired, county fair-attending Californians stray slightly away from the more downcast conventions of their typical genres. Yet, they maintain a classic Mom Jeans-ian flair all the while. For another band, this sound may be hard to accomplish without coming across a little corny, but Mom Jeans get it done without a hitch. (Well, maybe not exactly. But it’s intentional and it’s fun. So get over it.)
Though agreeable to many, there are some key intricacies to this track, like the double-timed hi-hat in the second verse (done expertly by Austin Carango, of course) and the backing harmonies that round out what could have been an otherwise superficial sound. As the song starts shaping into a more bitter, less sweet take on nostalgia, it’s clear that the band’s intentions with the tune are a little deeper than anticipated. The star component, however, is a synth lead that carries the guitar line in the chorus along, adding in a little extra fun. For a song about growing, changing like the seasons, and wanting to return to a time of innocence, it sure does make you want to dance a little.
We can’t discuss the song without mentioning the music video. It’s everything you’d expect from a two-minute, thirty-second glimpse into what summer looks like for Mom Jeans – especially when given a green screen. You can check it out below. But be warned, it’ll make you smile.
The band’s part of this year’s Sad Summer Fest lineup with the likes of Taking Back Sunday, PVRIS, Hot Mulligan, and more. They’ll be making a stop at the Mann Center’s Skylight Stage on July 15th — tickets and info at the XPN Concert Calendar!