WEST FRIENDS PAY HOMAGE TO THEIR HOMETOWNS IN THEIR DEBUT SINGLE “YOU’LL HATE IT HERE”

Hometown hate is one of the oldest tricks in the pop-punk book. However, newcomers West Friends have a unique take. They don’t hate where they’re from, but their hometowns wear a giant “kick me” sign on their backs. Particular major metropolises have poor reputations, often for naught. “You’ll Hate It Here” pokes fun at both the traditional pop-punk trope and the unfair reputation garnered by big cities simply for existing.

Snappy drum fills and a twinkly lead guitar riff drive the anthemic pop-punk single. Lead vocals are warm and whiny enough to compete with genre heavy-hitters. Most importantly, the song’s lyricism takes center stage. Sonically, nostalgia reigns supreme, but the forward-thinking messaging positions itself in the spotlight.

Admittedly, the first verse caught me off guard until I realized it was satirical. Thankfully, West Friends isn’t being entirely serious. Instead, they leverage their self-awareness throughout the single’s duration. Ultimately, their wit will be what sets them apart from their peers.

“You’ll Hate It Here” is a refreshing take to hear as a born-and-raised Bay Area girl. I often assert that San Francisco (and Oakland) hate is forged out of deeply seated biases. West Friends playfully encapsulates this in their debut single, suggesting a bright future ahead for the new group.

Keep up with West Friends here.