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We are very happy to premiere ‘Anywhere (From the Nameless Bride),’ the new single by Nashville’s melodic heavy duo, Friendship Commanders (pre-save).

Right out of the gate, the question is posed: “How’s your ego doing?” The ego is given a male character, denoting a mocking of the patriarchy or unwanted male authority. The thunderous track led by Roe's drumming stands up to this character with a nothing-to-lose attitude that the sound supports. The title in parentheses, “From the Nameless Bride,” indicates a lesser person status, a second-rate citizen. "It's how I feel way too much of the time," says Audra, "It's time call it what it is."

‘Anywhere (From the Nameless Bride)’ is the latest song off the band’s upcoming five-song EP, ‘Hold On To Yourself’ (pre-order here). It follows their second LP, ‘Bill,’ which they made with Steve Albini (Electrical Audio, Shellac). The EP lands firmly on the heavier side of the band’s sound and they collaborated with mix engineer Kurt Ballou (GodCity Studio, Converge) to round out the new work. A departure from a previously raw, mostly live-tracked approach, ‘Hold On To Yourself’ introduces a layered, more dimensional studio sound for the duo.

In this body of songs, Friendship Commander examines the world around them, their part in the problems and potential solutions, and even challenges the patriarchy. The release also gets personal and discusses what it looks like to be an adult who survived childhood trauma. The band’s primary songwriter, Buick Audra, is an abuse survivor and has chosen to dedicate this work to other survivors. Her outgoing message is summarized in the EP’s title. The phrase has been a personal mantra for Audra; she has a habit of writing it down every morning as a reminder. She says, "This has been especially true during times of dealing with unsafe family members, abusers, or unwell people. With a past of self-abandonment, holding on to myself has to be a focus in everything I do. It's a good reminder and I always need it. It just seemed like the right set of words for this record."

About the record, Jerry Roe says, "The songs and approach on this EP called for a very different energy, in that I had to put as much strength into one stroke as I would have 10 on our previous records. This also allowed me to open up my drum sounds because the music is much heavier, and called for a bigger, wider sound. The result is all-encompassing and to me, very cinematic. Lyrically, to me, these songs are kind of about evil and suppressive forces and psychology that manifest within a social or familial dynamic, so the music had to go in a heavier and darker place, but also a stronger place since once you get through heartache, confusion and fear, there's tons of insight, wisdom and strength, and the way the tracks are sequenced it ends in victory through personal reflection and acknowledgment. I'm honored and honestly very lucky to be able to play and collaborate with such a strong writer, musician, and singer. This is my favorite thing we've ever done."

(photo credit: Jamie Goodsell)

Tour Dates:

March 20 - Atlanta, GA - Hammerhead Fest 9 - 529
April 4 - Mufreesboro, TN - Media Rerun
April 10 - Knoxville, TN - Club Fungus
April 12 - Louisville, KY - Magnolia Bar
April 13 - Chicago, IL - Reggie’s Music Joint
April 14 - Hamtramck, MI - Small’s
April 15 - Columbus, OH - Space Bar
April 16 - Youngstown, OH - Westside Bowl
April 18 - Cambridge, MA - Hardcore Stadium w/Higher Power
April 19 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
April 23 - Raleigh, NC - Slim’s
April 26 - Pompano Beach, FL - Lozer Lounge