EP REVIEW: Old Friends – Old Friends

Power trio OLD FRIENDS, despite their name, are kicking out the past but still embracing it and also looking to the future for definition. With their potent hooks and the energy they exhibit on their self-titled debut EP, they have really created something special. Hailing from upstate New York, these guys had been playing music in their local punk scene for some time before they decided to join forces, pick up their instruments and write this record.

The first track Shotgun is filled with punk energy from the chugging guitar lines to the vocals that all at once soar through the verses and seamlessly go into the chorus which is entirely unrestrained. It is basically an early indicator that this EP is going to be a real treat, and this message is further backed up by Leave. It’s a little more personal and it’s a bit more structurally simple which gives it a less is more feel. This track showcases simple yet competent and catchy instrumentals that elevate it to a new level of greatness.

Missing was released as a single and it’s easy to see why as it hooks the listener in and makes them pay attention. It’s a darker track as the band contemplate what it would be like to go missing and if maybe it would be a good thing to just get away. It was written while reflecting on hard times and that can clearly be heard. The track rips with excellent vocal delivery and the music is reminiscent of classic punk with a dose of pop-punk energy.

The band stay with a darker theme on the track Medicine. It feels a little darker with more dismal lyrical content, but it’s still super catchy and fast with unrestrained punk vibes. This extends into the closing track Monster For You, which is a dark love song really but still aggressive and heavy. It lets up slightly for a gentler middle-eight section which gives it some breathing room. It feels much bigger and more theatrical than the rest of the songs and works like a big finish, perfectly closing the EP.

OLD FRIENDS have really shown what they’re capable of on this EP. Their ability to write catchy songs but make them still meaningful with a perfect balance is admirable. This EP is seriously promising.

Rating: 7/10

Old Friends is set for release on February 10th via self-release.

Like OLD FRIENDS on Facebook.