I’m usually not the best when it comes to writing about instrumental-centric tracks, especially since I’m expected to discuss lyrics and the emotions they elicit. Sometimes, though, you hear an instrumental that works as is. So to instrumentalists everywhere, I’d like you to consider this your invitation to send me your songs.

But this isn’t about me.

IDOL is a Northwest Londoner whose latest composition, “In Your Eyes,” is an up-tempo mix between electro pop and boombap. It’s also, more importantly, a love letter to parenthood. Specifically, this one deals with how parenthoods allows parents to see things differently than they would without kids. The tempo, while a bit faster, also has chilled out elements throughout the main melody and its vocals, many of which feature IDOL’s now-two-year-old daughter. For me, it’s reminiscent of those first few years of parenthood. in that it’s frantic but calming, upbeat but with a smidge of confusion, and vulnerable but quite confident in the “magical early years of new life” and how they’ll positive impact parents. Given that yesterday was Father’s Day, it’s as good a time as ever to say “parents shape the world, but children shape parents.”

For example, I’m nowhere near your Superdad type of father. But those two boys of mine made me the man you see in front of you now. I was a very angry person growing up, specifically because of my upbringing. Having children of my own made me calm down a lot and actually think before acting. Sometimes, it still comes out, but I give myself grace and realize that I’m always learning, always growing, always finding out new things about my children–and myself.

In writing about “In Your Eyes” and its parent record Notes, IDOL states that the album is “far from perfect…[but] much like new parenthood, perfection is unattainable.” I couldn’t agree more. Perfection is impossible and trying to make everything “perfect” removes a great deal of your content’s humanity. When it comes to people, striving for “perfection” makes you not appreciate the present, past or future. You’re not able to really enjoy life or enjoy the little things that make life worth living. As a parent, if you push for perfection, you’re asking for trouble and for your children to have traumas and toxic behaviors they’ll have to unlearn (I’m speaking from experience).

Check out the song below and support dope music in all its forms.