Nameless Friends – Blasphemy (Deluxe) (2024)
Canadian rockers Nameless Friends have unleashed their latest opus, a deluxe edition of their politically-charged album Blasphemy. This expanded release builds upon the band’s reputation for delivering high-octane, queer-inclusive rock that defies easy categorization. With their unique blend of “modern glam, prog-punk, metal-adjacent, hysterical pssy sht”, Nameless Friends have evolved from an underground sensation to a formidable voice in contemporary rock.
The deluxe edition of Blasphemy is a testament to the band’s growth and their symbiotic relationship with their fanbase. The original album, a scathing manifesto against right-wing bigotry, gendered violence, and social injustice, has been expanded to include live versions of standout tracks. These raw, energetic recordings of ‘Need’, ‘Demons’, ‘Classic Protagonist’, and ‘Breakfast in a Record Store’ capture the electric atmosphere of their live shows, addressing fan feedback that their stage performances often surpassed studio recordings. This decision to include live tracks demonstrates the band’s commitment to authenticity and their appreciation for their audience’s input.
At the heart of this expanded release is ‘Breakfast in a Record Store’, a track that has become the emotional centrepiece of their live performances. The song, described by the band as a love song for imperfect souls, showcases Nameless Friends’ ability to balance their hard-hitting political messages with moments of vulnerability and connection. The newly released music video for this track offers an intimate glimpse into the band’s life on the road, featuring a collage of tour footage that ranges from van mishaps to crowd-surfing euphoria. This visual companion piece reinforces the band’s ethos of creating safe spaces at their shows, where fans can experience both the catharsis of their heavier material and the warmth of their more tender moments.
The band’s perspective on ‘Breakfast in a Record Store’ is encapsulated in their own words: “We close every set on the Blasphemy Release Tour with ‘Breakfast in a Record Store’. It’s a love song, and we’ve worked very hard to cultivate safe space at our shows: our audience is always game to be loving and kind to one another, even during the heavy breakdowns. So the official music video for ‘BIARS’ is a tour montage and homage to our wonderful fans and how much we love them.” This statement underscores the band’s dedication to fostering a supportive community around their music, a rarity in the often-aggressive world of rock.
Looking ahead, Blasphemy (Deluxe Edition) serves as both a capstone to Nameless Friends’ breakthrough year and a springboard for future projects. The inclusion of the new track ‘MEZZANINE’, described as a campy theatrical opera-inspired piece, hints at the band’s willingness to push their sonic boundaries even further. With remixed versions of earlier singles and an orchestral rendition of ‘Forth’, Nameless Friends are clearly positioning themselves for broader artistic exploration. As they continue to challenge conventions both musically and ideologically, it’s clear that this collective of numbered performers is poised to make an even bigger impact on the rock landscape in the coming years.
Find out more about Nameless Friends on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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