March 14th, Aaron Friend & the Enemies share a captivating and catchy new single entitled “Back To Zero” out now. It marks the first release from the buzzing Nashville-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer since 2023. It also heralds the arrival of his forthcoming Sunset Clause EP on April 25.
Spacey guitar sets the tone for “Back To Zero,” while the track’s head-nodding beat kicks in beneath waves of feedback. This ethereal backdrop perfectly complements Friend’s dynamic vocal delivery. Soft verses give way to a swell of distortion on the chantable chorus where he takes a stand, “It’s coming back to this. I ain’t taking what you’re giving in.” Alternating between quiet and loud moments, emotion overflows from the bridge, and his voice booms through the haze one last time.
About the song, Friend commented, “We’re constantly struggling for balance in relationships. Even with maintaining healthy habits, it’s a big push-and-pull. So, ‘Back To Zero’ is me nodding to my musicianship, creativity, and artistry and diving back in. You’re not overthinking; you’re letting loose.”
In between diligently fighting for artists as a Senior Royalty Manager at a business management firm by day, Friend has continued to turn heads with his music. Throughout 2024, he assembled Sunset Clause alongside longtime collaborator Ryan Truso and Nick Brown of MONA as co-producers. Now, the project sees him explore complex relationships and even more complicated emotions anchored by a fresh and fiery guitar-driven signature sound.
He simultaneously encodes an uplifting message within the fabric of this body of work.
“When you listen to the EP, I’d love for you to be empowered with what you’re doing, own your decisions, and know you can make a difference,” he continues. “There’s so much passion in this, and I’m writing truthfully. That’s the message I want to bleed through.”
Returning to the stage at Nashville’s The 5 Spot last night (3/13), Aaron Friend & the Enemies is also set to headline and host a very special EP release show and celebration on April 25 at The Bowery Vault in Music City.
The last time we heard from Aaron Friend & the Enemies was on the A Friend 4 A Season EP in 2023. It boasted “Coming Clean” and “Pretender,” which Obscure Sound hailed as “heartfelt.”
However, Sunset Clause affirms Aaron Friend & the Enemies as a rapidly rising presence in rock music.
