As abrasive as they come, in an industry where middle-of-the-road is increasingly the blueprint of any kind of success, it’s interesting to see that the rather subversive, unpolished sound of London’s Arrows of Love is one that hasn’t gone unnoticed .
Following on from last year’s politely titled debut ‘Everything’s Fucked’, ‘Pretend Friends’ is the very last single from the record until the release of a currently-in-the-works second offering, and brings with it a slightly more progressive tempo than heard from them in other tracks. A short yet impactful tune, it rolls in with buzzing guitars that are soon joined by stomping, insistent drums, which are carried through until the end by toiled Homme-style vocals.
The thematic focus on the deceitfulness of reluctant acquaintanceships is apparent throughout, and the short track finishes on a lyrical high note of an expressed wish to watch a particularly obnoxious character drown. It’s unashamedly dark stuff, but thankfully it all seems to come really quite naturally, and isn’t macabre to the point of being cringeworthy. There’s no need for pretending here – with plenty under their belt already and more on the way quite soon, this song is a calling card of a band that is very much aware of what direction it wants its arrows pointing in.
Words by Benedict