With Drain Is Your Friend, Drain continues to refine their sound, taking a noticeable turn from the unrelenting chaos of their previous releases toward a heavier, slower, and more deliberate approach. Where their last album felt like a nonstop thrash assault, this one eases listeners in, building tension and letting grooves breathe before unleashing full-blown aggression. The opening track, Stealing Happiness From Tomorrow, exemplifies this shift: it begins with deep, resonant bass and a laid-back vibe, gradually erupting into the band’s signature fast thrash-hardcore energy. It’s a clear sign that Drain is embracing versatility, experimenting with pacing and structure in ways that add nuance to their sound.
Vocally, Sammy remains a standout, blending styles and keeping the energy consistently high. Even in simpler, more restrained moments, his delivery carries the album, though there are times when the mix leaves certain passages feeling slightly hollow. Instrumentally, tracks like Living In A Memory and Scared Of Everything And Nothing highlight the band’s growing focus on depth and groove over pure velocity. Riffs are given space to breathe, and the drums carry atmosphere rather than merely driving relentless speed. The result is a record that rises and falls dynamically, rather than charging forward at full throttle the entire time. While this approach makes heavier moments feel weighty, it also leaves a few sections lacking the punch fans might expect from Drain’s prior intensity.
The album truly shines when it leans into groove and memorable hooks. Loudest In The Room and Nights Like These showcase Drain’s ability to craft fun, bouncy riffs and infectious basslines without sacrificing heaviness. Even slower tracks like Nothing But Love maintain engagement with tight, precise guitar work and inventive drum patterns. And when the band does revisit thrashy aggression, as on Until Next Time, it’s a reminder that Drain can still hit hard—venomous vocals, razor-sharp riffs, and a palpable sense of vitality keep listeners invested.
However, not every experiment lands perfectly. Songs like Who’s Having Fun? feature dynamic drum rolls, chuggy riffs, and vocal shifts that sometimes feel underdeveloped or disconnected. Certain breakdowns lack impact, and a handful of tracks verge on predictability, missing the high-octane spark that made their previous record feel unstoppable. Compared to that earlier release, Drain Is Your Friend is more measured, sometimes bordering on restrained, but it rewards patient listeners with well-crafted grooves, standout solos, and an exploration of texture and pacing that feels deliberate rather than accidental.
Ultimately, Drain Is Your Friend is a solid addition to Drain’s discography. It balances heaviness with groove, experimentation with familiarity, and aggression with restraint. While it may not reach the frenzied peaks of their last record, it demonstrates a band confident in pacing, riffing, and dynamics. For listeners willing to engage with its slower waves and nuanced shifts, the album is a satisfying, if slightly uneven, exper
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Living In A Memory
Nights Like These
Who’s Having Fun?