Pop punk and early 2000s alt rock mesh together in Friends of Friends‘ latest single, “GRAVES”. The second track off their latest EP REAL LIFE, RIGHT NOW, is a testament to loving others while learning to love yourself.
Immediately, “GRAVES” begins with a skinny snare drum, a synth, and a seven note key melody. This introduction builds anticipation for the break into the first verse that is undeniably pop punk. “If it hurts to love, baby I can be a pain”, the last line of the first verse explains. The pre-chorus and chorus are both upbeat and catchy, including the keyboard melody we heard early in the intro. Making gothic references to The Nightmare Before Christmas, the chorus begins with “We could be like Jack and Sally”, continuing to refer to their love story that includes wearing black to their wedding, starting a family, and being happy. At the end of the chorus, the lyrics note that this idyllic life comes with internal feelings of self doubt that exist regardless of the situation.
Novacane is mentioned by name in the second chorus, another way to ease the pain that comes with self acceptance. An electric guitar adds to the bridge and makes the shift from the heavy instrumental to the isolated vocals at the end.
You can listen to “GRAVES” above and the rest of REAL LIFE, RIGHT NOW here!
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