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Photo: Morgan Maher

Great music has the power to change your mood instantly, but truly innovative music can leave you completely awestruck. If you’re looking for electro-pop that pushes ideas forward and celebrates the simple moments in life, prepare to be WOWed by BETWEEN FRIENDS’ transformative sophomore record. Made with a team of impressive producers, including the legendary Max Martin, this record elevates a sound the sibling duo has been honing in on for years. Pre-album singles “American Bitch” and “XD” only scratch the surface of what unfolds throughout this 13 track project, turning the experience of everyday life into a blissfully surreal escape.

The siblings behind BETWEEN FRIENDS, Brandon and Savannah Hudson, describe WOW! as a "mid-twenties existential crisis while having the time of our lives." What else could sum up the experience of a young adult in today’s world more perfectly? Equally beautiful as it is chaotic, both the sonic and lyrical perspective of this album echo that dichotomy flawlessly. The theme is fully realized through more than just its audio output, but through specific song title stylization to its low-fi, DIY visuals. 

WOW! begins with the ethereal “You & Me Time,” a track that explores the essential themes of the album ahead and welcomes the listener into its glitter pop world. Transitioning into “BLOW,” more traditional instruments are introduced as Savannah delivers the instantly catchy, anthemic chorus. Living up to its title, the track is explosive and dramatic in all the right ways. The pre-released singles neighbor each other and sound even more perfect within the context of the new tracks, followed by the sweet serenade that is “Soda," WOW! is all about details and in this track specifically sound effects, adlibs, and elements such as faded cheers add to the record’s unparalleled atmosphere.

“Parking lot” is an ode to one of the most simple human pastimes, the art of hanging out in parking lots. The marriage of perfect, pop melody and industrial, dreamy production shines in this track, painting a dazzling perception of a mundanely universal experience. What follows is the captivating pre-release single “1234567”, a song that turns waiting for the weekend into an art form. In “Very nice,” fireworks introduce a classic ode to feeling young and free as Savannah sings, “Let's upset the neighbors with the flashing lights / I'm in the bathroom, crying like I lost a fight.” It’s a coming-of-age triumph, full of emotion and details that everyone has experienced at least once in their youth.

The album ends with a strong run of tracks that end the story in a glitchy dreamscape. “comfortable” is a chaotic mantra about chasing feelings that were fleeting for a reason, in the name of feeling too safe. “JAM !” is clear album highlight that sounds plucked right out of a Euro club, its almost 4 minute run time to a sonic journey dedicated to love that feels like your favorite song. WOW! ends with “Chevron” and “Jackie,” two tracks that hear Brandon’s vocal performance more prevalent alongside Savannah’s lead singer-esque role. “Chevron” takes “Parking lot” to a more specific place, and dons arguably the album’s most catchy chorus. The final track is “Jackie,” a nostalgic synth heaven that ends the record on an emotionally charged note. It feels like the perfect love letter to everything WOW! stands for; youthful bliss, grieving moments that slipped away, and yearning for a time where it all comes crashing back. 

BETWEEN FRIENDS toured internationally with Conan Gray last year, opened for Olivia Rodrigo a few weeks ago, and are kicking off their own headlining tour this fall. This album will make for an insane live experience and we can’t wait to see what the duo has in store for bringing WOW! to the stage. Listen to WOW! now: