Real Friends
Composure
Fearless Records
8/10
Sick riffs: check
Staccato drum beats: check
Catchy melodies: check
Goofy, carefree lyrics: MISS
Deeply meaningful lyrics that expose the writer’s psyche: check
Whereas most pop-punk is fun in the sun, the new Real Friends is, well, real. Here, frontman Dan Lambton’s struggles with Bi-Polar Disorder are front and center. Lyrics range from the struggles on moving through the chores of the day to the “shadow hanging over” Lambton.
The severe differentials Lambton was suffering through was enough to cause serious strain amongst the band, with an unannounced hiatus following a breakdown of sorts. After confronting behavioral issues, he received his diagnosis. As he continues to seek help from therapists and find a balance, Real Friends was able to record Composure, a succinct translation of raw emotions into a tapestry of songs that come together to paint a picture of someone in need, and the, forgive the pun, real friends that can help someone move through the shadows.
The last line of the record ends as hopeful as it can: “We’ll swing safely through the dark and carry on.”