Photo By Joey Tobin
California band Just Friends makes a comeback with their latest full length Nothing But Love which was recently released on June 13 on Counter Intuitive Records. The 8+ piece band is more than “just another ska band”. Just Friends takes it to the next level by combining funk, punk, soul, and alternative together with crunchy guitar riffs, punchy group vocals, and a powerful brass section.
I first got a taste of their music in 2016 when I saw them live at Programme Skate and Sound in Fullerton. I walked into the show not knowing what to expect, but I was blown away by the energy in their stage performance. Later, when Open Door Records released their 2017 compilation CD featuring Just Friends’ single “Nothing But Love”, I couldn’t help but put the song on repeat. Ever since then, I have been anticipating the release of the latest full length.
The album begins with “1-800-CHOP-CITY”, a humorous interlude of a fake phone call between lead singer Sam Kless and recording engineer Ryan Ellery that ends abruptly with a group chanting “Who chops it up?” “We chop it up!”; A perfect way to build up hype for the second song “Never Gonna Bring You Down”.
“Never Gonna Bring You Down” had me bobbing my head no less than 5 seconds into the song with its crunchy guitar intro followed by the booming brass section, funky drum beats, and rap-like vocals. The songs builds up with more layers, a call and response, and more melodic vocals.
Perhaps my favorite song off the album, “Flex” starts off with thick crunchy guitar slides and upbeat trumpets. Sam and Brianda effortlessly sing their soulful duet while the band still keeps their punk/funk style. One of my favorite parts on the song is the short break after the verse where everyone chimes in for the single lyric “flex!”.
Things slow down with the sixth track, “I Wanna Love You”, a soulful love song with clean guitar tones and Brianda taking the lead on vocals with her soothing voice. During the bridge, group vocals sing “Love You” in a call and response to Brianda’s lyrics leading us into a funky guitar solo.
This album exceeded all my expectations, and saying that it lives up to all the hype is an understatement. Go listen to this album now! And don’t miss their show on June 20th at The Garden Amp with Casual Friday, Struckout, Graduating Life, and Nebulamigo.
Listen to Just Friends at Bandcamp
Pre-order the vinyl at Counter Intuitive Records
Follow Just Friends on Instagram
