Album Review: The Erin Rose EP by Good Friend

On December the 11th, Irish punk trio Good Friend surprised us all with the release of their long awaited new EP. Titled The Erin Rose EP, it comes four years after their last Red Scare release Ride The Storm. This was the release that made me aware of the band and it’s been a long four years waiting for some new stuff. It’s finally here, it’s three songs, let’s dive in.

The EP begins with Erin Rose Drinks On Shift. This is a generous slab of mid-tempo heartfelt punk rock. The song gets off to a nice energetic start and there is a bit of a comforting feeling when lead singer Adam’s vocals come in. Something I really loved about the first half of the song is that it feels like a big sing-along despite not being the most bombastic of tracks. I guess this has something to do with the melody that really hooks itself into your head. As we enter into the second half of the song there is a bridge that ups the tempo of the song and things seem to get a bit louder which ensures a big finale. Up next is We’ll Burn That Bridge When We Get To It which is an amazing song title. This is a slower, anthemic track that really showcases the full range of Adam’s voice. Personally I think he’s at his best when he’s at his most emotional. The song talks about working through your mental health problems and knowing that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. The simple drum beat that provides the backbone for the entire song somehow adds to the emotion that pours out of the song, something you don’t often hear. The final song is Rusted Friends. On this song Adam performs solo, which really adds to the emotion of the track. I’ve never seen Adam perform solo but I imagine it would be an emotional time. This is a love letter to the pals in bands who dedicate their lives to life on the road and the highs and lows of touring. A tour can be full of amazing moments but can also be hard physically and mentally. This is a song that’s equal parts sad and uplifting, Adam’s voice is sombre throughout but the message that comes through at the end is one of victory.

Four years is a long time to wait for new music but it really was worth it. Good Friend are one of the European punk scene’s best kept secrets. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to hang out this year when they tour with Red City Radio.

Stream and download The Erin Rose EP on Bandcamp here.

Like Good Friend on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.