REAL FRIENDS - Torn In Two LP (Colour Vinyl)

Label: Pure Noise

With their 2018 record, ‘Composure’, Real Friends came into their own with a set of emotionally charged and vibrant pop-rock songs. It would, however, would be the band’s last with vocalist Dan Lambton. After 10 years with the Illinois group, he parted ways in early 2020 leaving fans guessing what the future would hold for Real Friends – if anything at all.

18 months on, the arrival of Cody Muraro, formerly of Youth Fountain, has breathed new life into the quintet with ‘Torn In Two’ serving as the first page in this new chapter. Admittedly just like when any new vocalist comes into an established band, Muraro has big shoes to fill; for a decade, Lambton had served as the emotional anchor for Real Friends yet as this collection of five songs show, Muraro admirably steps up to the plate. Even though there’s a new voice, Real Friends continue to deliver praiseworthy pop-rock / pop-punk songs. It’s clear Muraro’s quickly embedded himself into what Real Friends are all about; emotionally sincere songs with memorable hooks.