A Former Friend is fronted by multi-instrumentalist Robert Tobias and his partner and vocalist Amanda Jane, with the duo first bringing their sound to Arizona in 2012. Their sound evolved into a unique take on the roots of rock, country, folk, punk, jazz and hip-hop. The band released two EPs during the pandemic, their self-titled project followed by ‘This Television Will Not Be Revolutionized’. Now with COVID restrictions firmly behind us, the band is releasing both EPs on one 12” vinyl record.
Across both projects A Former Friend uses the rich songwriting traditions of the USA, exploring societal issues that have shaped it. Between acoustic guitar, a Fender Telecaster, Wurlitzer piano, Hammon organ, mandolin and flute, they create a classic sound. Over this, they lace vocal harmonies that are driven and nostalgic, deeply rooted in their lyricism.
In regards to, ‘This Television Will Not Be Revolutionized,’ Tobias shares, “As we all hunkered down and watched the events of 2020 unfold on our television screens, it was striking how societal issues that have persisted over decades were reaching a fever pitch. While the effects of institutional racism and greed were coming to a head we bore witness to fake news and propaganda machines at full tilt. ‘This Television Will Not Be Revolutionized’ was our attempt to reckon with that in real-time. The first track ‘American Dream’ deals with the loss of the ideals we’ve been sold, ‘Kings for the Commonwealth’ confronts hubris across the political landscape, ‘Gallows’ is a nod to the toil and hardship of workers exploited by capitalism, and ‘No Holding Back’ speaks to a generation whose discourse is hampered by their technology.”
Listen to A Former Friend below!
and check out the vinyl here
