Life In Records Review!

https://lifeinrecords.com/f/spin-this-%E2%80%93-aaron-friend-the-enemies-back-to-zero

If you're in search of an impactful and inventive alternative artist who could hold his own alongside Morning View-era Incubus or early THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS, look no further than Aaron Friend & the Enemies. The Nashville-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer has been delivering impressive EPs for a minute, so he's got a deep back catalog that's totally worth a listen, but his new EP Sunset Clause instantly stands out. There's the hook-y "Game of Fools" and intensely emotional, yet irresistibly melodic "Sunset," but "Back to Zero" will instantly pull you into his world. The latter really shows everything Aaron can do at the highest level.

Airy guitar transmissions toss and turn over a thick beat, swelling into the wave of distortion that buoys the refrain. The chorus takes flight like a clarion call that you could scream in the face of anything doubting or holding you down as he confidently sings, "It's coming back to this. I ain't taking what you're giving. It's going down today. It ain't over till it's won."

It gets really interesting on the bridge though. Synths that could've been transported to this decade from a long-lost sixties sci-fi show co-mingle with a powerful and warm bassline. Aaron's dramatic range comes into the spotlight, "You're going this way." The way the guitars, vocals, and synths swirl around one another quietly tips a hat to Failure, and it's so cool to hear!

This is 21st century alternative rock at its finest, and it signals even more great things to come from Aaron Friend & the Enemies. – Rick Florino