New Jersey band Friends Like Strangers formed out of a deep appreciation for the diverse spectrum of the emo genre, spanning from 90's emo wave to progressive metal. The band crafts a unique blend of lush dreamscapes and rhythmic intensity, driven by powerful drum and bass sections. Influences like Pianos Become The Teeth, Pinegrove, and Balance and Composure have shaped their sound. The current lineup includes Tristan James, Dan See, Trevor Trela, and Slava Vaitsenak. Having released an EP and an album since their debut in 2020, the group recently unveiled their first 2024 track, "Sure, Miss You." Let's dive in.
Friends Like Strangers' new single, "Sure, Miss You," opens with a headbang-worthy burst of layered guitars, instantly pulling listeners into its dynamic energy. The song quickly transitions into a more introspective tone with somber lyrics and emotive vocal lines in the verse, setting the stage for a bittersweet narrative. With a title dripping in sarcasm, "Sure, Miss You" flips the concept of longing on its head, capturing the realization that missing someone or a relationship isn't always what it seems: "I thought that I would miss you/Now grey is all we have/It’s clear to me/Some things are meant to change."
Album Art: krst.art
As the track progresses, the band's strong layering builds an immersive soundscape, with guitars creating a lush wall of sound, interspersed with melodic lines that slide in and out. At 2:31, a ripping guitar solo injects raw emotion, adding to the song’s pop-punk and alt-emo vibes. The second half of the song showcases the more progressive side of their influences, leading to a poignant conclusion with the weighty line, "Some things are meant to change."
"We're incredibly stoked to share our new single "Sure, Miss You" with everyone. We've had an invaluable experience making this song with some of our closest friends and colleagues, and we can't wait to get back into the studio to make some more! We'll be playing some shows around Jersey this year into next so come out and go crazy with us!" - Friends Like Strangers
The lyricism throughout is descriptive and evocative, with standout lines like, "We went blind/With fluorescent lights in our eyes/Your fatal crime/A faithless smile," signaling the end of something—a relationship, perhaps—but hinting at the complex emotions of moving on. The song captures the feeling of exhaustion and inevitability that comes with change, with relatable lyrics like, "I’m fine, I’m just tired," and the struggle to keep intrusive thoughts at bay: "We grow and suffer/We hope our thoughts stay astray for now."
LONG STORY SHORT: "Sure, Miss You" is a fully encapsulating arrangement that feels playlist-ready, with its blend of pop-punk energy, alt-emo sentiment, and introspective lyricism. It marks an engaging and emotive new chapter for Friends Like Strangers.
Stream "Sure, Miss You" below!
Credits:
Vocals: Tristan James
Bass: Daniel See
Guitar: Trevor Trela, Slava Vaitsenak
Mix: Kyle Villareal (Modern Racket Audio)
Master: Michael Sahm (Dream Awake Audio)
Engineer: Mike Milano (Garage Door Studios)
Additional performance: Jillian Topolski
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