Girl Friend

“We are moved to controversially suggest that, in the pantheon of Manchester debut singles, it is in the ballpark of The Stone Roses’ So Young and Happy Mondays’ Delightful and within kissing distance of Hurts’ Better Than Love.”
Paul Lester – Guardian New Band of the Week

‘Arrive Alone, Leave Alone’ is the new EP from Manchester’s GIRL FRIEND featuring Guardian New band of the Week favourite ‘Monte Carlo’, blog endorsed ‘Stop’ and two new tracks from this sleek disco-glittered four piece.
Described as ‘honing in on the particulars of passion and desire’ by DIY Magazine GIRL FRIEND’s unique take on classic and refined pop has seen them pick up plays on XFM, heavy rotation across Amazing Radio, and touring to a rapturous response on European dates with the Kooks.

The band’s songs channel the muse of lead singer Amory, an individual painting himself in lyrics as a character in internal conflict; consumed by his own vanity and either maladjusted or hopelessly hedonistic. All these complex themes are delivered in palatable thrusts of pop decadence and light-hearted reflections. On the song themes Amory states “I found it interesting to juxtapose the dour moods and fatal flaws, with almost clichéd views on style and glamour. To dress the misery in something beautiful. The experiences of sexual frustration and amorous longing are portrayed with a graceful exterior.” This stark lyrical context is given additional intrigue when harmonised on recordings by Amory’s sister Eleanor, providing the perfect genetic fit to Amory’s striking vocal.

EP track ‘STOP’ and it’s surrealist video picked up early responses from blogs like The 405 and Ear Milk and standalone follow-up ‘Chemical Reaction’ (a romantic ode to the fear of romance) picked up widespread praise; described by ‘When The Gramophone Rings’ blog as ‘a whole-package-mix of sensual music and a cool vocal, with bright guitar riffs, tight rhythm, polished synths and a weightless chorus.’

An XFM ‘Shock of the New’ play followed bringing the band to date with lead track ‘Monte Carlo’ which has since been playlisted by XFM, featured in NME’s Radar section and propelled the band to headline Club NME at Koko, London. Suitably themed on romance in the riviera the track is imbued with mediterranean sunshine and dance floor decadence, with a nod to francophone gloss of Phoenix and the detailed electronic production of M83, Hot Chip and the Greco Roman label.