Have you ever made a mixed CD or maybe a playlist of songs for when you’re feeling down? They’re not cheery songs either, because that’s not what it’s for.
Sometimes, you don’t want to be cheered up. Sometimes, you just want to wallow in those feelings. That’s what an album like Caveman Wakes Up by Friendship is for.
Caveman Wakes Up is the fifth studio album from the Philadelphia band that sounds like a group truly finding their sound together. The music perfectly captures the feeling of the lyrics where everything can feel miserable, but there’s a certain beauty in the misery.
The album strikes the rare chord where you can imagine a Reddit subreddit dedicated to deciphering the lyrics, but you can also imagine it playing in the dankest dive bar you’ve ever seen. Reminding us that even the most mundane tasks can spark revelations.
One thing that stands out in Friendship’s music is lead singer Dan Wriggins' voice, which seems like a cross between Bill Callahan and Jason Molina. His voice sounds weary, angry and even in pain at times, but it’s a voice you don’t want to stop listening to. His lyrics can have you in tears one line and laughing hysterically the next: A rare feat in music.
It’s safe to say alt-country is having a moment lately with artists like MJ Lenderman and Wednesday appearing regularly on best new music lists. Friendship deserves their moment in the spotlight, too. The musicianship on this album is exactly what you want in an alt-country record; hauntingly beautiful.
The standout track has got to be “Tree of Heaven,” which is the blues-iest song on the album with some raunchy guitar. The constant hum of strings is like the screeching of a city. Wriggins is singing about being changed throughout the song. Is it the city? A relationship? Maybe just existing is to constantly change.
Most pop music is about major changes in life. Finding love. Losing love. What this album points out is that the little moments in life can emotionally affect us, too. Maybe the documentary you watched will bring you to tears. Maybe your partner resting their head on your shoulder makes you the happiest you’ve ever been. Our entire lives are made of these little moments. It’s nice when an artist reminds us of that.
Must Listens
- "Tree of Heaven"
- "Betty Ford"
- "Free Association"
- "Hollow Skulls"
- "Love Vape"
- "All Over the World"
