EP REVIEW: Torn In Two – Real Friends
Welcome to the next chapter of REAL FRIENDS’ distressing diary. On Valentine’s Day last year, midwestern emo and pop-punk fans came together to observe one of the scene’s biggest departures: Dan Lambton leaving REAL FRIENDS. As the face of their woeful yet sometimes unintentionally satirical brand, many were certain no one would be able to fill his shoes with the same level of poignancy. Yet, over a year later, Dave Knox (lead guitar), Eric Haines (rhythm guitar), Kyle Fasel (bass) and Brian Blake (drums) announced Cody Muraro (ex-YOUTH FOUNTAIN) would be stepping in permanently. Easing himself in with an EP, Torn In Two, Muraro shows us that there are more to bands than their frontmen.
Opening track Remedy For Reality is one of the strongest of the five, jumping straight in with roaring pop-punk riffs and hooks. Out of context, nothing about this song would suggest it was by REAL FRIENDS, but more likely STATE CHAMPS. It’s not exactly the best introduction to Muraro’s talent as he’s never given a real chance to shine here in particular but he’s simply biding his time. Semi-acoustic piece Teeth is where his moment comes. Thanks to their major hit I’ve Given Up On You (from their 2013 EP Put Yourself Back Together), when one is aware of a REAL FRIENDS acoustic song, there is a certain level of expectation. Teeth is a pleasant surprise in that synth chords subtly elevate the atmosphere created while underlying yet intermittent piano sections halt any idea of repetition. Layered above this are Muraro’s raw vocals, soaring through metaphorical lyrics of heartbreak and taking part in beautiful, gentle harmonies.
While these two songs are seemingly sparse with the essence of REAL FRIENDS, Nervous Wreck digs this up and amplifies it. The instrumentation is far more in line with what fans have come to expect from the rest of the members, with reverbed guitar and slower verses that brew into emotive choruses that will touch many.
The only particularly negative elements of Torn In Two are Spinning and the five reimagined versions of the tracks. Fillers aren’t expected within a five-track EP but somehow Spinning slipped in. It opens on a jolting and unexpected riff that doesn’t contribute anything but confusion, leading into bland pop-punk. It tries to be upbeat and fast-paced but it’s still holding back, perhaps trying to be too fun to break up the blue. The percussion here is the most concerning part though as it fades in and out, which is rather jarring and causes Blake to lose track of his main goal as a drummer: holding everything else together.
Moving on to the unnecessary additions which follow at the end, the lo-fi Soundcloud producer type takes on Remedy For Reality, Nervous Wreck, Spinning and Storyteller, as well as the full band version of Teeth enhance the tracks in absolutely no way. Each are drastically anticlimactic compared to the originals as the produced beats often fail to maintain the momentum built by the guitars and drums, and are also ill-fitting in most cases. The lo-fi songs in particular are certified novelty tracks that no fan is likely to actively listen to. In Teeth’s case, production is still prominent as the distorted guitar tone clashes with the underlying synth, and overall the instrumentation becomes overwhelming to the point of drowning out Muraro’s voice. In fairness however, converting an acoustic-style track to full band is rarely successful, so compared to other artists’ attempts this is by far not the worst, and it does grow on you over time.
Having waited over three years for new music from the iconic sad band, the mere concept of Torn In Two is a sight for sore eyes, even if it is just an EP for now. There are clearly some teething issues throughout which are likely due to the new dynamic and will hopefully be perfected by the next release. Torn In Two is the result of REAL FRIENDS trying, and that’s all any real fan can ask of them under the circumstances.
Rating: 6/10
Torn In Two is out now via Pure Noise Records.
Like REAL FRIENDS on Facebook.