Friends Of Friends
Deep Search (self-released)
Release Date: October 20, 2009
1. Stillness Illness
2. I am the Catalyst
3. Some Kind of Fake (mp3)
4. Desert Bed
5. The Search for the Perfect Wage (mp3)
6. Land of Left Behind
7. Endless Bummer
8. Restless Legs
9. Path of Logic
10. Enough Was Enough (mp3)
As much as I love punk rock – especially when it’s played with reckless abandon and just enough melody to keep me screaming alongand pumping my fist in time with a driving beat – there’s no doubt that the genre is less about innovation and evolution than it is about capturing a fleeting movement of youthful indignation and revolt, and of course the unique bonds formed between those who tend not to trust, well…anyone.
So when I was introduced to Friends Of Friends and its hands-down amazing debut full-length, Deep Search, I was immediately taken aback by how the band transmitted such a unique and unexpected tone, not to mention all the other great stuff that normally comes with any worthwhile punk album. While the Tallahassee quartet isn’t necessarily breaking new ground musically, it still manages to seamlessly blend several difference styles of punk rock, borrowing liberally (and smartly) from a diverse cross-section of genres while forging its own fiery sound.
Imagine a group of four individuals heavily influenced by the southern punk swagger and roots rock that’s been pouring out of their home state of Florida and the No Idea camp for the last 15 years. Add a healthy appreciation for the soaring, full-throttle blitzkrieg of Avail and their Richmond brethren and temper that with discordant, unpredictable instrumental passages more likely to garner the “post” tag by most. Finally, toss in an affinity for the brainy, off-kilter and jagged guitar rock of bands like 90′s indie torchbearers Archers of Loaf, Edsel or even The Raymond Brake and the picture that Friends Of Friends has begun to paint with Deep Search becomes a little clearer.
Of course, that’s just me…and I tend to be a tad hyperbolic in describing music that I’ve really fallen for. As I mentioned, this isn’t some new punk revolution – but it’s definitely not your usual, run-of-the-mill fare either. A casual spin reveals some fairly gruff, balls-to-the-wall rockers with an ample amount of shout-along choruses and more than enough energy to get your adrenaline pumping. Give Deep Search a few more spins though and its wonderful subtleties – the vast pool of influences it has drawn from – become more and more apparent.
In some ways, Friend Of Friends has created the perfect anti-anthem, with songs that sail just left of tuneful and barely touch on melodic, yet hit the bulls eye squarely in terms of being incredibly catchy and unforgettable. Lyrically, the band touches on religion, politics and other topics of general disillusionment, yet these songs have a air of regret and self-reflection seldom seen from bands of this ilk. Vocalist Nick Serino is not as worried about leaving his youth and all its ideals behind as he is about the transition into adulthood and how that lifestyle change fits in with punk rock ethics and a DIY mindset.
More importantly, Deep Search is always interesting and fun to listen to. Punk can often revert to the basest of emotions. Anger and resentment are fine, but it’s nice when a band can throw you for a loop or two. Songs like “Some Kind Of Fake” and “The Search For The Perfect Wage” are not only rousing, kinetic and infectious barnstormers, but they twist and turn, veering left when you expect right. And they’re funny and irreverent in a “my life sorta sucks but I’m still here” kind of way too.
Honestly, there’s not not much else I can say here. I’ve never actually ended a bio with an unrequited confession of love for a record, but that’s pretty much where I’m at right now. Of course, there’s no accounting for taste, but if you and I share a similar predilection for intelligent, visceral, gritty punk rock, there’s no way that you won’t feel the same way about Friends Of Friends and Deep Search.
Deep Search was recorded by Phil Martin (Look Mexico, One Small Step For Landmines, Only Thieves) at Power Plant Industries in the band’s hometown of Tallahassee, FL. Friends Of Friends will self-release the record on October 20, 2009 and is currently offering it for free download at www.powerplantind.com/FOF. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/tallyfriends or www.beartrappr.com/friends-of-friends
Press Contact: Chuck Daley / Beartrap PR / chuck@beartrappr.com / (704) 649-7128
