by Jack Humphrey

Illonois-based pop-punk quintet Real Friends has already had a huge 2021. After signing to Pure Noise Records, announcing a brand new tour alongside label-mates State Champs, they are finally giving fans a taste of their upcoming record with newly named vocalist Cody Muraro in the form of two new singles. While Real Friends may have over a decade of being on the scene, there is still so much momentum behind them, and they feel as fresh and as hungry as ever. Cody joins forces with the same band of brothers that have played together across ten years, three studio albums, and numerous tours. Though as tight-knit as they are, based on these two new singles that put Cody and Real Friends’ versatility to the test, it’s pretty safe to say he fits right in. One listen to “Nervous Wreck” and “Storyteller,” make it pretty easy to contextualize bassist Kyle Fasel’s remarks on Cody Muraro’s presence in the band, “We all felt the conviction in his voice. That was what distinguished him the most. Emotion is a signature element of Real Friends. That came through right away, but he also brought some grit of his own.” 

“Nervous Wreck” deftly encapsulates the band’s upbeat arena-ready vivacity that trademarks their first three records. Inspired by the loneliness of isolation amidst the recent pandemic, Cody Muraro cries out in anguished frustration about the struggles of being a social creature kept apart from his fellow human beings, a relatable topic lately, to be sure. Ironically enough, this guitar-driven anthem is sure to be a favorite amongst the party-hearty mosh pitters on the upcoming tour.

Real Friends quickly follows “Nervous Wreck” with “Storyteller” — a just as introspective and longing, but with a more subdued twist. Embracing a sort of dejected quietness, the band’s latest ballad looks back on a relationship gone by, with the subject of the song lying sleepless and resentful considering the way things ended. Before kicking into high gear with powerful chugging guitar riffage and emotional shouting chorus by Muraro, those bitter moments are put on full display to the listener’s ears.

With the debut of a brand new vocalist over a decade into their career and a huge fanbase anticipating the group’s new direction, Real Friends undoubtedly knew that the pressure was on to deliver with this release. Fortunately for the fans, “Nervous Wreck” and “Storyteller” not only prove that Cody Muraro has chops, but that he has that intangible emotional element that hallmarks great pop-punk bands — a signature that Real Friends has become known for across their storied career.

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