Real Friends - Blue Hour
After six years, Real Friends released their fourth studio album Blue Hour. This is the first
album the band has released independently and featuring their new vocalist, Cody Muraro. Blue
Hour explores heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery. This album showcases the bands growth
while remaining true to their pop-punk roots.
I Was a Deer Caught in Your Headlights
The album opens with an acoustic intro, foreshadowing the tone for the entire album. The lyrics
focus on the aftermath of a long-term relationship, capturing the sense of emptiness that lingers
after a breakup. The spoken line, “When you hung up, four years ended in one second,” is a
powerful choice, emphasizing the suddenness of loss and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity
post-relationship.
A Place I Don’t Think Exists
A fast-paced rhythm paired with heavy lyrics makes this the anthem for those late-night drives
where we wrestle with feelings of being lost and out of place. The catchy pop-punk melody is
inviting listeners to sing along, even as the lyrics convey a sense of longing for a home that
doesn’t exist.
Waiting Room
Lyricist and bassist Kyle Fasel was inspired by the emotions he faced after the death of his father.
Fasel included imagery of dropping off clothes at Goodwill and being haunted by familiar smells
that reminded him of his father. The band does not shy away and gets up close and personal with
their listeners. The lyrics reflect on the struggle of letting go, reminding us that while grief is a
part of our journey, it doesn’t have to define us.
Radiant
Real Friends shift the album toward a positive outlook with Radiant. We take a nostalgic turn to
the 2000s pop-punk. Here, the narrative shifts toward self-discovery and resilience. The line
“Why can’t I feel what you feel” resonates universally, highlighting the frustration of feeling
isolated while others seem to thrive.
This Year is Out to Get Me
Real Friends have reflected on their past experiences, This Year is Out to Get Me has listeners
reflecting on their own struggles. “The rope tightens around my throat, it won’t let me go,” can
speak on the struggles we face in life and the burdens that suffocate us. With heavy lyrics, the
band personalizes the song by including significant dates in their lives. This added touch
connects the band further with their listeners.
I Know How This Ends
The contrast between Muraro’s harsh vocals and the soft melody captures the painful tension of
loss and the fear of vulnerability. The closing line, “I think I might die this way,” delivered in
spoken word, leaves the ending up for interpretation. Listeners can view this lyric as the end of a
hard chapter in their life or the idea of the never ending cycle of self-doubt.
Blue Hour is an incredible album that exceeded my expectations. Real Friends proved you do not
need a label to produce a successful album.