Friend‘s consuming album Trash is a deliberately varied solo production, conceived over six years with each song taking shape around a distinct instrumental arrangement and minimal reliance on electric guitar. Written, produced, and recorded independently across Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Ottawa, the album brings together contrasting art-pop and rock approaches while exploring ideas of guilt, self-doubt, hope, and the pressures of modern collective culture.
A melodic, theatrical delight of an album opener, “Superorganism” unveils a prancing piano drive and vulnerable vocal prowess, lamenting “I’m always missing out on something.” References to “catered AI slop reels” lend a modern poignancy to a perspective of being endlessly entertained in the modern age, though not without its downfalls. “I don’t wanna be part of no superorganism, so put away your phones and everybody listen,” the vocals beckon into a soaring ardor, anthemically exuding a plea for society to detach from the merry-go-round of hiveminds and AI slop content. The album doesn’t waste any time showcasing a penchant for both melodic power and lyrical wit, balancing dark humor and meaningful societal analysis.
Ensuing track “Shake” plays as an apt follow-up, as the vocals wonder “maybe I should just give into the masses” amidst a clanking acoustic guitar and trickling piano work. The “just wanna… shake!” vocal enthusiasm is playful and memorable, cohesively moving between spoken-word contemplations and the impassioned desire to “shake!” A further showcase of eclectic vocal ability, “Through With You” ventures across both airy balladry and emotional outpouring, reminiscent of Perfume Genius in that range, particularly in the “I’ll be through with you!” determination.
The release’s title track is another gem, infectious from the get-go as bellowing percussive stomps and spacey synth bounces build into an expressive vocal presence. “You talk with your mouth, but your head’s in your ass,” they let out, asking “what the hell is it good for?” A woozy, theremin-resembling chilliness envelops past midpoint, while the shouty and responsive vocals continue immersing, into a final, buzzy “it’s trash” warming refrain. The triumphant synth pulse, fervent vocals, and spooky effects make for another absorbing success.
“Call the coastguard, I’m sick of this never-ending blue!” the vocals exult on the similarly energetic “Call the Coastguard,” its piano and rhythmic interplay luring with a colorful peppiness, while the laments of “a seasick captain” with there “being so much more to see” being especially affecting, as glimpses of brass and strings linger beautifully in the background. A yearning to “go home” then builds into an invigorated hope to be salvaged from a tumult-filled journey. Filled with excellent, charismatic forays into art-pop and rock, Trash is an enveloping success from Friend.
