Odlaw reminds us that there is peace in darkness on new single Friends Lose Friends
Odlaw’s new single Friends Lose Friends epitomises a reminiscent sound, through the pursuit of finding peace within loss. Hailing from Boorloo/Perth, the folk-punk group gives Australian indie music an emotionally poignant composition - complementing our Country’s vast catalogue.
@odlawband Friends Lose Friends single. Listen here.
Despite the title, Odlaw’s new single provides a weird sense of hope.
We distinctly hear what each member gives to the sound, a shared camaraderie in the suffering. Friends Lose Friends explores the painstaking truth of loss and grief. In essence, the track feels like a beautiful elegy. It’s hard-hitting and honest, all the way through to the end.
The lead guitar echoes bright and colourful, juxtaposing the vocal section's solemn depth. Within these contrasted tones, the two complement one another, illuminating the song's melancholic lyrics. The choice of a punchy drum section steadies the flow and creates firm grounding for the songs rich detailing.
The single reflects the frontman’s journey over the years, with almost spoken lyrics “We settle in and it begins, the stories gonna hurt”. Listeners ears are attuned for a painful recount of the past.
Upon reading up on Odlaw frontman Mark Neal, the song now feels more intimate. Neal discloses that he has struggled within himself, leading to his inspiration feeling depleted. He found himself alone and without a band during 2018.
What came out of a darkened place, was something tremendous. Once in isolation and lacking in artistic motivation, Odlaw has evolved into an astounding 9-piece arrangement. The members are Jamie Gallagher, Veronica Zurzolo, Damien Goerke, Emma Adams, David Jago, Skinny O'Leary, Lee Napper, Michael Strong and of course, Mark Neal.
There are some profound vocal moments, particularly in the second half of the song. The repetition of belted lyrics “loss, we’ve all got some, share with someone, we’ll both feel better”, does exactly what it is set out to do - it reminds us we are not alone.
The final moments of the song, almost perfectly balances between ragged and smooth. It’s not quite one or the other, much like the entirety of the track, there’s a peaceful conflict between light and dark.
Friends Lose Friends is a tender story of loss and poignant in its messaging. This track grips you in an unexpected way - it’s highly recommended listening.
Check out the track here.