MAKE FRIENDS announce new EP written and produced with Bombay Bicycle Club's Ed Nash, new single "Groans" out now
LISTEN, "Groans"
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"The band construct complex, quirky indie pop songs, with their intelligence only matched by their melodic nous...reminiscent of Everything Everything in their quicksilver creativity”
CLASH Magazine
“...like a yummy Bloc Party and Foals soup”
The Rodeo
“Bristolian four-piece Make Friends is making infectious indie pop look easy”
Wonderland Magazine
(9th July) Bristol-based indie-risers Make Friends have released new single "Groans" and announced new EP 'Loaded Fun' - out 13th September on Ignition Records. Produced by Bombay Bicycle Club's Ed Nash, the EP heralds a fresh start for the four-piece as they venture into a thrilling era of evolution.
New single "Groans" follows the release of EP title track 'Loaded Fun' in April, along with buzzy performances at Dot To Dot and The Great Escape festivals, the latter a coveted spot on The Independent's stage. Next up, Make Friends play an intimate headline show at The Old Blue Last in London this Thursday, 11th July.
Displaying an innate versatility and energy, on "Groans" Make Friends pull as much from the work of Bombay Bicycle Club (no surprise since bassist Ed Nash has enthusiastically taken the band under his wing) as they do from the euphoric pop-rock of Phoenix, the synth-driven stylings of MGMT and the intricate tapestries of Everything Everything.
Speaking more on the release of their new single, the band said:
"Groans is a song about all the little things that go wrong. The song is about reflecting on yourself and understanding all the things that push people apart. The song paints a picture of different scenarios in which you may have overthought a situation or something hasn’t felt right … the ‘Groans’ of yesterday."
Consisting of Tom Andrew (vocals, bass), David Thomas (guitar), Connor Crabb (guitar) and Max Lewin (drums), Make Friends have toed the line between buoyant indie-pop and the left-side of indie-rock since their formation, yet with new EP 'Loaded Fun' the band showcase a riveting sonic expansion.
Out 13th September via Ignition Records - home to household names such as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and the Courteeners - Make Friends are on a mission to defy expectations. Previously working with Everything Everything and John Grant collaborator Peter Sené, along with James Trevascus (BEAK>, Billy Nomates), the band have consistently found champions in their work in some of the most boundary pushing producers in the UK.
With new EP 'Loaded Fun' on the horizon, Make Friends are drawing a line in the sand, with visions of setting sail into uncharted and compelling new territory, the band saying:
"These past two years have really been about exploring and experimenting with our writing and production. We've been writing a ton, and along the way, we've noticed our sound evolving into something we're really excited about. Having the chance to work with Ed has been a big part of that. From a writing and production point of view, it's been really enjoyable and fruitful for how we've developed. 'Loaded Fun' is a culmination of that time spent. We wanted the new material to feel fresh to us while still capturing the spirit and energy of our influences. We're happy with where it's all at, and we're just hopeful it resonates with others as much as it does with us.”
Make Friends' releases to date have already been celebrated by BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, alongside early press tips from publications including CLASH Magazine, Under The Radar, Wonderland Magazine, The Independent, The Rodeo, and more.
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Make Friends' new EP 'Loaded Fun' is out 13th September on Ignition Records. Make Friends headline The Old Blue Last this Thursday, 11th July. New single "Groans" is out now.
LIVE DATES (tickets)
11th July - The Old Blue Last, London
'Loaded Fun' EP artwork (credit SamB illustrates) & track list
1. Groans
2. Maybe Tomorrow
3. Loaded Fun
4. Falter
5. I Lose You Lose
Follow, Make Friends
Instagram: @makefriends.official
X/Twitter: @realmakefriends
TikTok: @makefriends.official
Facebook: /makefriends.official
