Blending deeply personal narratives with new wave punk, 2000s indie, and shoegaze, Brisbane trio Friends of Friends are launching their debut EP, Real Life, Right Now.
Friends of Friends – Real Life, Right Now
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Friends of Friends is an emerging trio featuring lead singer and producer Barnaby Baker, multi-instrumentalist Frank Christian, and drummer Morgan Blake. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like U2, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Blink-182, and Radiohead, this young act has even caught the attention of Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, who attended their live show in Brisbane.
After building a solid fanbase over the past few years, Friends of Friends continue their successful streak with the release of Real Life, Right Now. This five-track EP explores poignant themes, reflecting their unique vision of life and death, urging listeners to appreciate the moments that truly matter.
Channeling the energy and free-spirited vibe of Midwest emo, the opening track and first single, Wolfgang, reminds us why 2000s rock was so appealing. With fast licks and emotionally charged vocals by Barnaby, this energizing piece searches for hope and meaning amid self-destructive tendencies and turmoil.
Graves continues in the same vein, featuring fast-paced instrumentation and electronic arrangements while narrating a gothic love story with themes of death, pain, and eventual self-acceptance. As a cool easter egg, hardcore Blink-182 fans will notice a subtle nod to their 2000s classic “I Miss You” in the lyrics of this engaging track.
End Of The World combines sentimentality with their signature chaotic delivery, making it one of the most energetic tracks on the record. Its upbeat production and uplifting performance make it the perfect soundtrack for jumping together or crowd surfing.
In contrast, Scared To Be Alone shifts the mood dramatically. This track leaves behind the wild and frantic instrumentation, offering a chill, dreamlike performance with soothing guitar and Barnaby’s soft vocals, complemented by earnest songwriting.
To close the EP on a high note, the self-titled track Real Life, Right Now offers an instrumental finale that’s like the aural equivalent of watching a sunrise at the beach. To be honest, the less we say about it, the better. This is one of those tracks you need to experience on your own to truly feel its magic.
Surfing through a plethora of emotions and backed by introspective songwriting, Real Life, Right Now is a compelling EP that proves modern rock is alive and well in 2024.
Angsty at times and poignantly vulnerable at others, this EP is a significant step for Friends of Friends. Its heartfelt themes and relatable storytelling make it a remarkable work deserving of all the attention it can get.
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Words Javier Rodriguez
