After releasing their second album – SUM – in December last year, Olive are back with a bang. Sounding like an amalgamation of Dinosaur Jr., Weezer and Pavement, Another Friend by Olive is a 90s indie/alt rock fan’s wet dream.
Named after the street of the same name in St. Louis, Olive is the nickname of multi-instrumentalist and DIY songwriter, Owen Weber. Initially intended solely as a vehicle for songs that Owen wrote back in high school, Olive is now the name of the Alton, Illinois-based quartet fronted by the man himself.
This is the first track they’ve recorded together in a studio after playing it to live audiences for over a year, and the familiarity and confidence show. Despite – or somewhat at odds with – the laid-back slacker vibes, it comes across as being executed with aplomb and style.
The guitars are crisp, the rhythm section is tight, and the lyrics (as well as the vocal delivery and style) are easy to appreciate and sing along to. We can imagine this pleasing live audiences no end, so be sure to catch them performing in person on August 9th at Rock The Hops music, art & beer festival (yes, please!) if you can!
Written by Kinda Grizzly
