Album Review

Real Friends – Maybe This Place Is The Same And We’re Just Changing

• 22nd Jul 2014

A year ago, Real Friends released a seven track extended EP called Put Yourself Back Together. It was this release that put them on the map as one of the upcoming American pop-punk bands. Lumped in with bands such as The Wonder Years and State Champs, each of which have more than proved themselves, it was time for Real Friends to step up to the plate. Sadly, Maybe This Place… doesn’t quite have the punch many hoped for.

This is not all together a bad release, but within comparison to what the band have done in the past, it is absolutely a step backwards. Clocking in at little over 30 minutes, it’s highlights include the lead single ‘Loose Ends’, and ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’. The latter was previously released in the lead up to the album’s release, and both songs are a great indication of what could have been.

Lead singer Dan Lambton’s vocals have dropped significantly since Put Yourself Back Together – he was never the strongest of singers, but this could be down to excessive touring and him not getting the break he needs. But much more scrutiny will be placed on the lyrics, which are easily he the backbone of any great pop-punk record. This album’s overall theme is of the solitary teen, sitting at home alone, crying over the lost love. It’s not a new theme to the genre, but after 12 songs, it grinds just a little bit too much.

Bassist/lyricist Kyle Fassel has much to answer for, being the wordsmith behind Maybe This Place…, but you can’t fault his or his band mates talent on their respective instruments. The background of this record is straight up pop-punk – the issue is what the pen put on the paper.

But don’t write them off just yet. ‘Sixteen’ showed promise as a ballad (regardless of it’s similarity to last years ‘I’ve Given Up On You’) and ‘To: My Old Self’ is easily one of the best songs they’ve written, easily the best on the album. Not to mention that their live show is as energetic as it gets, with Lambton jumping like a mad hare throughout. One slip up is not going to knock these guys.

Real Friends’ debut album, when fully written, is titled Maybe This Place Is The Same And We’re Just Changing. Unfortunately for them, something will have to change when it comes to their next release to get them back on track. A track that they deserve to be on.

Venue: Maybe This Place Is The Same And We’re Just Changing
Support Band: Fearless Records