DRAIN ...IS YOUR FRIEND
DRAIN continue their unstoppable climb through the metalcore and hardcore ranks, and at this point, their place in the scene feels downright cemented. Spotting a DRAIN shirt, or even a Drain tattoo, in mosh pits isn’t all that uncommon anymore. It’s seen as a badge of honour for fans who crave that mix of chaos and community. And now, with only two full-length albums under their belt, Santa Cruz’s own are ready to give the world more: ...IS YOUR FRIEND is the follow-up to 2023’s LIVING PROOF, and it absolutely slams.
The record kicks off with ‘Stealing Happiness From Tomorrow’, a track that’s already been making waves with its heartfelt music video dedicated to founding member Tim Flegal, who’s currently battling cancer. The visuals perfectly capture DRAIN’s spirit: equal parts heavy and hopeful, raw and playful. It’s an emotional gut punch wrapped in pure hardcore adrenaline.
Next up, ‘Living in a Memory’ puts vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro’s range on full display. We all know the guy can scream with the best of them, but here he flexes his softer vocals too, and it works. We caught a glimpse of this side of him on their cover of the Descendents’ ‘Good Good Things’. The result is an album that feels more accessible without losing any of its ferocity.
From the jump, ...IS YOUR FRIEND hits all the right notes: loud, fast, angry and loaded with riffs and breakdowns that hit like a freight train. The lyrics dig deeper this time, as they are more personal and more reflective, but I don’t expect the live shows to lose their trademark energy. You can bet there’ll still be inflatables flying, stage dives all around and Sammy smiling ear to ear. One look at the album art tells you the same: this is still the DRAIN we know and love.
My standout track? ‘Who’s Having Fun’. It’s got everything that makes DRAIN so addictive right now: unrelenting energy, killer hooks and a guitar performance from Cody Chavez that just nails it. I can already picture this one becoming a crowd favourite.
And then there’s the closer, ‘Until Next Time’, which feels like the perfect sendoff, the kind of finale that doesn’t just end the record, but wraps it up with warmth, gratitude and a sense of belonging. It’s not just another song; it’s a message to the fans, a reminder that this band isn’t going anywhere and that their connection to the community runs deep. The track builds with emotion, carrying that signature DRAIN mix of intensity and sincerity until it finally lands on one clear, unforgettable note, that DRAIN …IS YOUR FRIEND, and always will be.