Nameless Friends, a Canadian force of queer infused, politically charged energy, are storming the UK with their “Cross The Pond” Tour and a brand new single, “Mezzanine.” Described as metal-adjacent, modern glam and prog punk – Nameless Friends are your new favourite band.
This isn’t your average band. Nameless Friends ditch the rockstar facade for a numerical system – a reflection of their tight-knit, egalitarian spirit. At the core, you’ve got Number One (think searing vocals and rhythm guitar), Number Three (shredding lead guitar and killer backing vocals), Number Five (laying down the thunderous bass), and Number Seven (the powerhouse on drums). But their extended family includes Number Four (a retired drum legend rocking the music videos), Number Six (the keyboardist adding magic to the “Blasphemy” era), and Number Two (the versatile backup bassist and live sound engineer aiming for a permanent promotion).
“Mezzanine” explodes from the speakers like a theatrical hard-rock bomb, mocking the twisted world of fame through a campy operatic lens. The song kicks off with a riff that chills you to the bone before crashing into an anthemic, operatic climax worthy of a stadium singalong.
But “Mezzanine” is just the beginning. The “Blasphemy” deluxe edition promises a treasure trove of sonic delights for devoted Nameless Friends fans. Expect electrifying live renditions of the album’s tracks, rumoured to surpass even the studio versions. The album also includes single mixes of “7 Years of Blood” and “Sympathy for Lilith” for those who appreciate the nuanced differences in production.
This deluxe edition is a love letter to the band’s fan base, a continuation of the protest against social injustices that was a core theme of the original “Blasphemy” album. It’s a chance to experience the music in a whole new way, a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
To celebrate the release, we sat down to chat with the band about their backgrounds and inspirations behind this mesmerising project. Don’t miss your chance to see them LIVE on the final leg of their UK tour happening NOW! (Catch dates & tickets down below)
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
3: “A lid on a giant water cooler in my childhood home that apparently I liked to drum on.”
5: “I wanted to play drums, but there was another kid who played drums that was a better drummer than me, and I wanted to be in the band no matter what, so I picked bass.”
7: “I like my instrument, can I just say that?”
1: “We’re all picking drums, sure, that.”
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
Captain Beefheart and The BeeGees.
What was the first album you remember owning?
1: “A Steppenwolf Greatest Hits album that I stole from my dad. And real Canadians will know, Ryan Malcolm’s first post-Canadian Idol solo record.”
7: “Plastic Beach by Gorrillaz.”
5: “A friend pirated a copy of Green Day’s American Idiot and gave it to me.”
3: “Oo I also coveted American Idiot, a friend across the street had a copy and it was niiiiiicely made.”
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Vienna by Billy Joel, Champagne by July Talk, Science Fiction by The Arctic Monkeys, and Close to the Edge by Yes.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Chappell Roan, El Ten Eleven, Wolves of Glendale, Dijon, Orville Peck, and Fatoumata Diawara.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
1: “The first time my dad found out we were playing at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto was pretty cute. He’s a Kingston, Tragically Hip-obsessed man and was really excited for us. It’s not the biggest, but it was precious.”
7: “Drunkenly escorting a toad off the road at 2am in Scotland so we didn’t run it over.”
3: “Oh I was gonna say when we kicked [redacted] out of the band.”
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Boygenius, Pup, and Dave Grohl exclusively so Number Seven can fistbump him before a high school buddy can.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
St. Vincent and still Boygenius.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
1: “When our silly, little rage-filled songs make people feel seen and loved and brave and stuff.”
3: “Playing with fancy equipment. And getting to contribute to allyship and activism and whatnot.”
5: “I just like being onstage.”
7: “Drugs!”
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
1: “If you think you hate everyone, eat. If you think everyone hates you, sleep. If you think you hate yourself, shower.”
3: “Pass.”
5: “Don’t say no to anything.”
7: “Be crime, do gays.”
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‘Mezzanine’ is available across all streaming platforms now! Be sure to check out the music video below and stay tuned for the deluxe edition of ‘Blasphemy’ set to drop this September.
CROSS THE POND TOUR DATES
July 17th, Birmingham, Dead Wax Digbeth
July 18th, London, The Waiting Room
July 19th, Brighton, The Pipeline
July 20th, Cardiff, The Moon
July 21st, Swansea, The Bunkhouse
