Watch The Duck Releases “Delayed Adulthood”

I had the privilege of meeting the talented members of Watch The Duck a few years ago during a listening session for press in Atlanta where they premiered music for their then upcoming album Trojan Horse. 

I enjoyed their eclectic sound and carefree vibes, so I journeyed to their previous body of work Anatidaephobia, their debut EP, and I became an instant fan. Somehow these guys infused the sounds of r&b, rock, trap, electronic dance music, soul and hip-hop all into one track. Their artistry, essence and style was multidimensional. The rawness and raspy tone from lead vocalist Jesse Rankin’s gave me Lenny Kravitz and David Ruffin vibes, but with a contemporary and new age style.

These guys were authentic and easygoing in every way. And while you were immersed in their artistry and space, you rode the unbothered and untroubled wave too!

I later learned these guys hailed from Montgomery, Alabama and were DJ’s, producers, and musicians, which became apparent in the quality of their musical composition. And I also learned that the inspiration behind their group name stemmed from the phrase, “Everyone sees a duck floating smoothly on top of the water, but one rarely pays attention to how hard it kicks underneath to get where it’s going.” It was this moment that I truly respected their artistry; they recognized work ethic. 

Their lyrics had depth and I could relate to their content. They made funky, rhythmic and sonically pleasing music about crazy ex’s, infatuation, friendship, bad break-ups, broken hearts, learned lessons and good times. I connected with their songs; they made music that appeared to be the soundtrack of my life’s experiences.

A few years later, the trio turned into a duo, and I heard their signature style embedded in an energetic commercial promoting Propel Water, and they were also featured in one of my favorite tracks with T.I., “G’shit.”

Fast-forward 5 years or so, and they’re signed to I AM OTHER, Pharrel Willlams’ record label and they’ve released their third album Delayed Adulthood. And if you haven’t discovered by now, I’m all the way here for it! The album title itself has me hooked! I’ve loved what I’ve heard thus far. Unlike a majority r&b music these days, Watch The Duck continues to set their own trends, and creates music about love, and it respects women. This album realistically dissects the complexities of life and dating when you’re in a delayed adulthood. The tracks not only sound good, but they feel good, while creating an element of nostalgia for every “situationship” and phase of dating. It’s upbeat, it’s fun, it’s smooth, and it’s intelligent! It’s old school and new school at the same damn time!

According to a social post released by the duo, their inspiration was to “Make an album for people who go to work everyday. People who’ve “shacked-up” with someone before. Basically an album for fckn adults.”

I haven’t heard a track that I didn’t like so far, but I’m definitively “In My Feelings.” Stream their new album now and you will catch that reference!