Terrible Friends’ knack for storytelling shines on their new Beach House EP
New Jersey indie rockers Terrible Friends have a knack for musical storytelling, and you can hear it on their new EP Beach House. The four-song collection shows off the group’s versatility, from the title track, which kicks off the album strongly with snippy snares and a bass groove, to “Miss Montana”, an upbeat anthem with soaring guitars and an oh-so-catchy melody. Frontman Vin Dammann sings out to the title character, saying “Everybody loves her so / and everybody wants her to know this is how we play.” The song carries itself well with a solid foundation that the group embelleshes on over the course of three minutes.
The heavier “Say It’s Fine” utilizes thumping kickdrums and call and response guitars to catch listeners’ ears off the bat, as Dammann sings “I saw an accident today. Everyone was okay. / The people, they walked away,” perhaps touching on the events that seem devastating in the moment but can somehow turn out for the better. “Snake” is a mix, layering heavy guitar tones and softer, cymbal-filled drumming create a distant, far-off feeling, hinting at themes of detachment as vocalists sing “Everything’s so fine, just close your eyes”.
Overall, Beach House is a great sophomore EP from a band that engulfs listeners’ in its ambiance. You can stream the EP below and purchase it on their Bandcamp page. Terrible Friends will be playing at Boot and Saddle on Friday, October 17th. For more information, visit the XPN Concert Calendar.