Recommended Tracks: “Stealing Happiness From Tomorrow,” “Scared Of Everything And Nothing,” “Who’s Having Fun?”
Artists You Might Like: End It, Big Boy, Dead Heat
DRAIN has never been interested in keeping their fans at arm’s length. The moshers and two-steppers are welcomed to bypass barricades, and frontman Sammy Ciaramitaro enthusiastically hands over the microphone to anyone interested in screaming their heart out. The Santa Cruz hardcore heroes create music for these very moments — where veteran punk rockers and scene newbies can relish in the unrestrained joy that these live experiences conjure up.
…IS YOUR FRIEND feels like DRAIN’s ultimate devotion to their fierce fanbase, as it was intentionally crafted to maximize the listener’s “shit-losing abilities.” Arriving at just under 30 minutes, the album effortlessly glides between thrash metal and hardcore, with glorious breakdowns and infectious choruses that beg to be experienced in the pit (beach balls and all).
“Stealing Happiness From Tomorrow” is the beating heart of this record, gleaming with gratitude and sincerity. Ciaramitaro roars, “Life is not a contest, but I’ve already won / In a world so cold, what did I do to feel so loved?” Dedicated to drummer Tim Flegal, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and forewent the band’s summer tour dates, this opening track is a stunning display of resilience and vulnerability in the face of fear.
Ciaramitaro describes DRAIN shows as war zones, where euphoria isn’t afraid to bubble over and manifest into utter chaos. “Living In A Memory” and “Can’t Be Bothered” are tight, punchy arrangements that can usher in the listener’s prime shit-losing abilities — even through headphones. The live instrumentation throughout the entire record captures DRAIN at their most vigorous, with legendary shredding courtesy of Cody Chavez.
“Scared Of Everything and Nothing” is the audience’s entrance into the minds of scene superstars, though it isn’t glamorous. In a striking display of vulnerability, Ciaramitaro questions his band’s success and wrestles with intrusive thoughts. The song’s title evokes the illustration on the album cover; DRAIN’s signature shark kewpie with a devil and angel hovering on each shoulder. Ciaramitaro bears his markings with a cheerful smile, just as the kewpie does.
The trio’s cover of Descendents’ “Good Good Things” made waves in hardcore back in 2023. “Who’s Having Fun?” is perhaps its closest catalog companion, with a surf-punk sonic DNA constructed entirely by DRAIN. Though the autotune is unpleasant, the quirky lyricism and earworm of a chorus make it irresistible. “You sold your soul for a suit / You think you look so cool, but it looks like shit on you” is hilarious, but rightfully calls out bad actors in the industry. It’s even more satisfying when you learn that Ciaramitaro freestyled most of the record’s lyrics.
DRAIN’s outlook on life is not artificially hyper-positive. It is the result of crashing, burning, failing and finding a reason to keep going — over and over again. The band has mastered a balance between heart and grit on …IS YOUR FRIEND, with tear-jerking tracks that let you get lost in movement.
Until next time. Take care, be well. DRAIN is your friend.
