Los Angeles powerpop collective Make Believe Love just released their new single “Kid with a Dad Bod,” for anyone who’s ever felt the weird clash of youth’s spirit in an aging chassis.
Who’s behind this noise? A trio of scene veterans who know how to weld a hook. At the helm is Lucas Berman, spitting lead vocals while simultaneously hammering the drums into submission. On bass and guitar, you’ve got John Anderson, a cat from the band Girls. And then there’s the secret weapon: Louie Diller (of Holychild) on synth and, crucially, in the producer’s chair.
The song’s mission is clear: to mock what it means to be middle-aged in 2025. And how do they do it? With “guitarmonies,” baby. That’s not a typo. Interlocking guitar lines that are both intricate and dripping with attitude. This is smart songwriting, the kind that makes you pump your fist and smirk at the same time. It’s a satire that rocks too hard to be just a joke.
Make Believe Love isn’t just hiding in the studio. They’re already burning stages, having just ripped through the Redwood Saloon on December 18th, with plans to tear up more LA venues in February 2026. Consider this single your advance warning.
“Kid with a Dad Bod” proves the fact that rock ‘n’ roll relevance has nothing to do with a six-pack and everything to do with having guts, a killer melody, and something to say. Make Believe Love has all three in spades. Turn it up loud and feel seen, you beautiful, ageing rockers. The powerpop throne has some new contenders.