Drain Cements Hardcore Prowess With Combustible Poetry On ‘… IS YOUR FRIEND’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Drain, the hardcore punk trio from Northern California that is slowly making a case for being one of the most exhilarating acts the genre has seen in years, still has plenty left to prove. With two LPs that showcased how this band is fully capable of making thrashing, metal-tinted punk with raw passion, and a reputation for a face-melting live show, Drain has all the makings of a timeless hardcore band, but the time has come for Drain to push past the underground scene and into the shining spotlight of stardom. This is easier said than done, of course, but since this band emerged in 2016, they have done nothing but shatter expectations, and the time has arrived for this three-piece to cement themselves as the next hardcore greats they seem destined to become.

…IS YOUR FRIEND is the third LP from Drain. This ten-song release marks a significant moment for the band, as all they seemingly need to do is repeat the magic captured on their first two LPs. However, that would be the easy way out, and the trio seems wholeheartedly unconcerned with the expectations that weigh on them. Drain has always employed intricate fusion techniques in their releases, so nuanced that a nod to surf rock or a whiff of their pop tendencies might go unnoticed, as the band buries their influences deep within their caustic punk. …IS YOUR FRIEND is the moment Drain finds the perfect balance between their varying influences and singular approach to hardcore, resulting in an explosive, face-melting third album from a young band putting the final pieces of their sonic puzzle together. 

Before even pressing play on …IS YOUR FRIEND, one could already tell that a new era of Drain is upon us. The terrific album opener, “Stealing Happiness from Tomorrow,” clocks in at just over 4 minutes —a noticeably longer length for the trio. By allowing their ideas to be stretched to new lengths, each member has time to bask in the bright light of the listener’s attention. Vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro immerses the listener in a waterfall of passion as his throat-burning performance collides with guitarist Cody Chavez’s incendiary riffs. At the same time, Tim Flegal’s thudding drums tie it all together. Chemistry has always been a palpable factor of Drain’s music, but  …IS YOUR FRIEND heightens it to an undeniable level, and it only rises as the tracklist plays out. 

While the pulsating energy of the album mainly arises from the instrumentation, like on the nostalgic hardcore cut, “Can’t Be Bothered,” or the hectic wall-of-sound that is “Who’s Having Fun,” the defining moments on this LP stem from the songwriting. There is a blunt vulnerability to these songs that brings long-time fans one step closer to the world of Drain. A song like “Scared of Everything and Nothing” tackles the complexity of fear; “Can’t Be Bothered” poetically details the importance of self-care; and “Until Next Time” offers a glimpse into the uplifting side of this trio. The band injects its unwavering opinions into these topics with a cheeky smile and a prowess that grows more undeniable with every new release. 

Drain entered their third LP with the hardcore world watching and the weight of success on their shoulders, but the resulting tracklist shows a band whose only competition is themselves.  …IS YOUR FRIEND not only exceeded its expectations, but it also introduced a side of this band, expressing an individuality that acts as Drain’s final step towards hardcore excellence.