By Jenell Taylor, Contributor

[Polyvinyl Record Co.; 2025]

Rating: 6/10

“I Want You (Fever)” is the second track on Momma’s upcoming fourth album, titled Welcome to My Blue Sky, set to release on April 4. The album also features “Ohio All The Time” as the eighth track, which was released as a single back in October.

The track opens with a reeling guitar, steadily building to heavy and wild drums. The first lines – “Take it apart and build it again (I’m right on it)  / Don’t call it a loss, call me instead (I’m right on it)” – are a precursor for the ride Momma promises to take fans on with this new album. Continuing, singers Etta Freidman and Allegra Weingarten say, “Really can’t believe you didn’t tell her / Do you think she knows we’re back together.” The subject matter throughout the length of the track is about re-entering love with an old flame, and keeping their current squeeze in the dark. Momma does not claim to be morally upstanding with “I Want You (Fever).” Instead, they sing about knowing what they want and simply going for it.  

Read more: Album Review: Mogwai – The Bad Fire

The chorus – “Pick up and leave her / I want you, fever” – proves to be the most notable aspect of this single. The line is catchy and lingers even after the song ends. It easily makes for a fun sing-along with friends or simple background music.  

The line’s catchiness, however, does not keep it from overstaying its welcome. Like many of our beloved 90s indie and punk rock songs, (from whom Momma seems to draw inspiration) they dawdle just a smidge too long. Throughout the song’s duration, the chorus is repeated a staggering 16 times. Many of Momma’s songs seem to follow this familiar pattern, though they have proven their songwriting ability over the span of three solid albums. Even with this in mind, this new single fits well with the rest of their discography, even if it doesn’t necessarily bring anything new to the table. All things said, “I Want You (Fever)” will tide expectant Momma fans over until the arrival of Welcome to My Blue Sky.   

Listen here: