Friend Club Records

24/10/2025

FCR119 "Air Like A Buzzsaw"

The title of this album is the absolute perfect description of it. That probably sounds cliche but Elemantra weaves together lush dreamy waves of indie rock with momentary moments of distorted noise in a way that sounds exactly as described. It's 90s alt rock music that gets called shoegaze or dream pop or whatever these days but the thing is, it's so good. The band compared themselves to Diiv, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Ovlov and I'm adding Silversun Pickups to the list. If those sounds are your thing check this one out.

Backstory on this release. One thing I've always known was a gap in running Friend Club was trying it to my Buffalo roots. When I thought about local bands I wanted to work with Elemantra was at the top of my list. When I reached out to the band it was just as the first half of these songs were being completed. The band wanted to do them as singles and I supported them in that. However these six songs also form a wonderful and cohesive EP together. Doing it on CD and tape made complete sense to us.

Hat tips to for the initial intro, for the layout work.

I can't wait for you to hear these songs.

13/08/2025

When I was in High School (in the 1900s) I remember pouring over catalogues of record labels I loved and imagining what it would be like to put out CDs. One label that I followed with a keen eye was Matt from Brandtson's label . Brandtson, Six Feet Deep, Furnace St, Zao. It was a label to admire.

Countless years later the opportunity came up to work with Steadfast on a few things. We jumped at them and they always went well. Everything about the label was always so well done and so visually pleasing. Plus Matt is an absolute gem of a human.

Today we're pleased to announce that as of now, Friend Club Records is proudly distributed by Steadfast. Our new store is live. Please do check it out.

Can't wait to keep living like the 1900s never ended.

31/07/2025

There's a reason we stick to what we know. The real feeling. The undeniable click and whir of a brand new CD or tape. Friend Club Records is where that heart lives on, deep in the melodies of punk, emo, hardcore, and ska.

This isn't just music; it's a connection, a community, a truth that lasts. Find your next obsession, bro.

01/07/2025

FCR121: "You Will Know True Loss"

Tldr: Post-Big Band band drops new heater on tape and CD. RIYL: GSYBE, Mono, Totorro

The long version. One of the best things in life is when things come full circle for good. As the first phase of Friend Club came to a close I had to inform the kindest most wonderful man (Andrew) that one I wasn't going to be able to put out his band's amazing first LP. Bob from stepped in and gave it an amazing release but I've always thought of as the band that got away. Two months ago Andrew reached back out and asked if I'd like to be part of their new album. Without hesitation I said yes. There are some people you trust to make something amazing no matter what. This band is those people.

Things went quiet for a little and then all of a sudden it was WE'RE GOING TO RELEASE IN TWO WEEKS. It's wonderful how things come together when they are meant to. And now it's release day for the new Jagalchi album. What is Jagalchi? A jaguars mix of post-rock, jazz, indie rock, spoken word and a little punk attitude that the band calls Post-Big Band. Jagalchi is one of those bands that are so hard to pin down because they do so many different things so well.

So here it is. On CD and cassette. We are so pleased to present YOU WILL KNOW TRUE LOSS

08/05/2025

This quote from The Wonder Year's is especially appropriate today.

"it's not about forcing happiness it's about not letting sadness win"

Rest in Power, Jim Keck Howes

07/05/2025

There are days where I wonder if this thing is worth keeping going. Then an email shows up in your inbox asking you to do an interview with Bandcamp and it turns into being included in their Tape Label Report.

So stoked.

Five tape labels to know and love and buy one of everything from.

14/04/2025

Just wow. What a great write up. So honored to be a part of this release with the wonderful folks in Naturalist

It starts with a line that feels like a confession: "I want to be in a car crash." It’s not for shock value. It’s not a metaphor stretched too thin. It’s just

12/04/2025

CDs for The Abruptors "Everything You Know Is Wrong" are in and shipping now.

Thanks again to Asian Man Records for letting us be part of this one.

Get yours on the Bandcamp.

11/04/2025

FCR118 "You Don't Have To Worry"

There are few bands who speak to me the way Naturalist does. From the first time I discovered them a decade ago to now, Ashton's writing and the bands energy has always captivated me. When it was announced that FCR was rebooting this was the first release that was signed up. This band has kept me going in difficult times. And hopefully they can do the same for you.

Start with the title track. If it doesn't make you feel, I can't help you.

RIYL: Touche Amore, La Dispute, Drug Church

06/04/2025

Talking late 2025 releases. How badly does this need to be made?

13/03/2025

CDs for finally arrived at FCR HQ and will be shipping this weekend. These turned out AMAZING.

Get pumped. Jump up. Pirouette Into The Ceiling.

Realemo dot lol

07/03/2025

Big day here at FCR HQ.

New tapes from PARTY'Z AND EMPTY HEAVEN available for you to check out.

Leggggoooooooooo