SINGLE REVIEW: MNERVA – My Friends Don’t Like You
MNERVA returns with ‘My Friends Don’t Like You’, an alt-rock-meets-pop-punk anthem that dives headfirst into the sticky, relatable tensions that come with dating someone your mates can’t stand. From the outset, a powerful, dramatic intro sets the tone, immediately drawing listeners into the track’s emotionally charged world. This isn’t just another angst-driven breakup song—it’s a thoughtful look at the strain social circles can put on relationships, wrapped up in a punchy and melodic package.
Vocally, MNERVA delivers a melodic and engaging performance, comfortably navigating the highs and lows of the song’s shifting moods. The instrumentation confidently blends gritty guitar-driven moments with rhythmic beats, creating an intriguing juxtaposition of power and restraint. There's clear creativity at work here, particularly evident in the smartly handled tempo changes—bursting forward energetically in some sections before pulling back into more contemplative territory.
However, while the production is impressively clean, this polished sheen occasionally works against the track. At times, the pristine production feels slightly too slick, dialling down the rough-around-the-edges authenticity that makes pop-punk so endearing. The raw emotion at the heart of the song sometimes feels smoothed over by the overly tidy finish.
Nevertheless, MNERVA’s knack for crafting memorable hooks and relatable narratives still shines through strongly. ‘My Friends Don’t Like You’ ultimately lands as a catchy, dramatic offering—perfect for anyone who’s found themselves caught awkwardly between loyalty to their friends and their feelings for someone new.
