Friends Don’t Lie – Year Zero (2022)
United by their on-stage performances and natural musical talent, Markus Ambrosius (vocals and guitar), Stefan Suchoroschenko (bass) and Jens Ole Emser (drums) formed the pop-punk group Friends Don’t Lie. Drawing together their diverse musical tastes, the lads bring together elements of rock, punk, pop, pop-punk and even some indie-rock in their catchy music. This is my introduction to the German lads, but they are already turning heads across the globe featuring on multiple playlists, performing at notable gigs, and receiving coverage from various blogs. This is my introduction to Friends Don’t Lie but, as a fan of old-school pop-punk, I am extremely intrigued by their music. The latest addition to their discography is their EP Year Zero.
The debut EP from Friends Don’t Lie, Year Zero was actually not planned – it just sort of developed. Considering EPs and full-length albums to not be popular with contemporary audiences, the band created several singles that were released in 2022. Interestingly enough, it was a two-day rehearsal session where the band captured their desire to return to old-school pop-punk with more songs that led to Year Zero. Now, we have a six-track EP that elegantly captures the mood and sound of Friends Don’t Lie reflecting their friendship and life experiences.
Along with their previously released singles ‘Love & Solidarity’, ‘Friends Don’t Lie’ and ‘Right There’, the trio bring a genre-defying sound with the additional ‘Your Party’, ‘Moving Bridges’ and ‘Find Yourself (In My Head)’. Opening with ‘Your Party’, Friends Don’t Lie introduces us to their bold, powerful and “in your face” sound. Easily reminiscent of old-school pop-punk band Blink 182, the lads immediately bring a hyped head-banging sound to audiences – a sound that flows throughout the EP.
One might say there is a copy-cat quality to the band’s music following the likes of Good Charlotte, Blink 182 and Sum 41; however, there is a slight obscurity in the youthfulness of Friends Don’t Lie that leans toward a sound that is purely Friends Don’t Lie. Besides, a leaning towards these iconic pop-punk bands isn’t all that bad – at least that’s my opinion. Yet, the pounding drums, dynamic guitars and rich vocals do have a slight edginess bringing yesteryear’s sound to modern-day audiences with an intoxicating flair.
Self-recorded and produced, with the exception of Benjamin Hermann mixing and mastering the EP, Year Zero is a sophisticated half-hour of music. What I love is how the tracks take you on a sonic journey from the hyped-up pop-punk opening to the punk-influenced ‘Moving Bridges’ and then a dynamic ‘Find Yourself (In My Head). The thing is, while Year Zero is energetic and enthusiastic from the first chord, there is a sense of vulnerable flow woven into the EP. It’s a type of soothing, intimate and personal link whimsically placed in a brash, abrupt and chaotic release.
Overall, I love Year Zero from beginning to end. From the pounding drums to dynamic guitars and heart-capturing vocals, Friends Don’t Lie sent my soul soaring. Sincere, sentimental and moving, I would recommend this sonic gem to anyone.
For more from Friends Don’t Lie check out their official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
