'We're all mama's boys', US band LANY says about new album

LANY puts the spotlight on parent-child relationships in its third album, 'Mama's Boy'. Photo: Handout

The members of American indie pop band LANY certainly aren't ashamed to be called a "mama's boy", seeing that they've named their third album just that.

"We're all mama's boys," says lead vocalist Paul Klein in a video call with StarLifestyle.

"I think if you're a mama's boy, you're pretty in touch with your feelings and emotions, you're OK with that. I think that's super indicative of who we are and it's cool to work that into our music."

Indeed, Lany members Les Priest, Jake Goss and Klein have been pouring their feelings into their music since releasing their debut album in 2017.

There's no lack of heart-on-your-sleeve, breakup tracks especially on the trio's 2018 sophomore release, Malibu Nights, what with searing hits like Thru These Tears and I Don't Wanna Love You Anymore.

The band continues to tap into their emotions on Mama's Boy (out on Oct 2) but instead of focusing on romantic relationships, LANY is pushing parent-child relationships to the fore.

Particularly, in If This Is The Last Time, the second single off Mama's Boy, LANY delivers a heartwarming love song to parents all around the world.

"It's such a difficult song to write when you're thinking about saying goodbye to your parents or your loved ones. It's an important song and I think it will stand the test of time. Talking about the last words you say to people you love, that will never go out of style."

Klein adds the song is especially close to him now during the pandemic, as he lives apart from his parents.

"The song was written in 2019 before we had any idea what 2020 would look like. It just happened to be a coincidence that this song would find a deeper meaning and hit harder than we expected," he says.

The song's music video even features the members' real-life parents.

"I feel like we're all in this position right now where we're separated from those we love. We're not sure what to think about this virus, how dangerous it is. If my mum or dad catches it, are they going to live? Just all kinds of uncertainties.

"It's an unfortunate situation but this song seems to be a glimmer of hope for people, a reminder to keep things in perspective and realise what's truly important."

Klein also acknowledges that there haven't been much emphasis on family relationships in pop music.

"Unfortunately, in my opinion, I feel like no one is really saying anything in pop music. If you actually read the lyrics, it's kind of disappointing. No one really knows what they're saying or they're all just saying the same thing, which is about sex or drugs or money, which is cool, people seem to really love that," he reflects.

Klein hopes the music of LANY will not only be an enjoyable experience for listeners but a meaningful one.

"I'm not sure if that's what I want my legacy to be," he continues. "I find more fulfilment in talking about things that really matter. I don't think I'm going to write 100 songs about my parents. I think I'd probably just write one and I think (If This Is The Last Time) was the right one to put down and record.

"I completely understand that it's not a traditional pop song but people seem to really be connecting to it and I appreciate it."

Naturally, with a title like Mama's Boy, we had to know if Klein's mum has given the album her seal of approval. He responded: "Totally. From top to bottom, she loves it."