Tribe Friday - “forward is the way out”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Speedy Ortiz, Swearin, Kurt Vile

Part garage pop and part surf rock, Swedish quartet Tribe Friday sound fun and tight on their first full-length bubblegum emo, an apt name for their blend of catchiness and moodiness across the invigorating record. While upbeat, there’s some punk density in Tribe Friday’s music that appeals to a heavier ear before laying down a sugary, pop chorus. That balance of easy-going, breezy rock and visceral punk is well managed in Tribe Friday’s hands, never dipping too far into either end of that spectrum and instead crafting songs that sound more organic than expected. There’s the energy of a live band on display on bubblegum emo, a compass that points to what should be a rambunctious and grimy set come SXSW. They pulled an excellent showcase spot too, playing alongside a big-time lineup of Bartees Strange, Robby Krieger, and Talib Kweli at The Belmont Tuesday night. (Kevin McStravick)