“Sweet Boy” Has Taken Over My 2024

– Written by Hunter Petch –

Acting as more of a formal home for the abundance of singles released prior to this tape, Sweet Boy is nonetheless an emphatic debut for the new indie superstar.

Only being in the game for 2 years, Malcolm Todd has already made quite the splash socially. His origin began on TikTok in 2022, advertising his tracks as Steve Lacy-esque pieces, intriguing an audience who had just recently become infatuated by the energetic bedroom-indie powerhouse “Bad Habit”. His first two EPs Demos Before Prom and Shower Shoes were clearly inspired by Steve, and his sound continues to maintain an obvious influence even now, but the differences have become fleshed out on more of his contemporary tracks.

To me, almost every song has the potential to close out a night at the bar with my friends — grabbing each one under my wing and obnoxiously screaming Malcolm’s words. “Roommates” comes second on the track list, and is undoubtedly the highest high Mac has reached thus far in his career. “Time is moving / With situations I’m not choosing / And we both wanna’ say sorry / For something that we cannot stop” opens up the song, accompanied by a type of production that is uncommon in Malcolm’s discography. It’s quicker, and sharp. It almost touches an Artic Monkeys base, while still remaining rooted in the bedroom-indie aesthetic that Mr. Todd upholds. Texturally it’s dense and well-crafted, nearly to perfection. For someone who’s only had a couple years of skin in the game, making a song of this caliber is wildly remarkable.

Other favorite tracks include “On My Shoulder”, “Thailand”, “Sweet Boy”, “Mr. Incorrect”, and so many more.

Hooked is a an understatement when describing the severe chokehold this project has had on me since it’s initial release in April. While it is quite lengthy compared to others in the same lane (16 tracks long), it rarely steps on it’s own toes. When looking back at my Spotify after my first listen, I was stunned to find that I had added every song to my library — an uncommon occurrence I might add. Intro to outro, Malcolm’s sing-a-long style writing and delightful compositions allow for a weightless, easy-going experience that are a testament to his pure energy as a writer and a musician.