Brighton indie-pop quartet Fickle Friends have resurfaced with their brand new single ‘Amateurs’. The track is their latest release since ‘You Are Someone Else’, the long-anticipated debut album which undoubtedly solidified their identity as a funky, 80’s style pop band.

As with many of their previous tracks, their newest fuses personal and emotional lyrics with a playful and euphoric beat

From the outset, ‘Amateurs’ drops us into the middle of a somewhat confused and unsure relationship. Lead vocalist Natassja Shiner explained the lyrics “are about realising you’ve rushed into a relationship that isn’t really right for you and makes you feel a bit crazy”, ultimately pointing towards the expectation of being in a serious relationship. ‘Amateurs’ explores that, in reality, it’s okay to not be attached and ‘the one’ isn’t necessarily the person you’re with now. You may in fact be ‘unequivocally destined for somebody else’. 

As with many of their previous tracks, their newest fuses personal and emotional lyrics with a playful and euphoric beat. The first verse and pre-chorus is relatively mellow and is paired with a unique and bouncy electronic riff which carries itself assertively throughout the three-minute track. Natassja’s smooth and collected vocals build up to the chorus, integrating multiple synths alongside it, promising a dramatic climax. Yet, I found the chorus to be much more relaxed, subdued and simple than what I was expecting, with the knowledge of the band’s previous exuberant choruses like ‘Swim’ and ‘Sugar’. Perhaps this anti-climax is linked to the theme of rushing into a relationship, which may be anti-climactic also. As the song carries on, there is a rise in energy thanks to the addition of various electronic synths, creating a more rounded and powerful narrative. 

Nevertheless, ‘Amateurs’ is a catchy, relatable and easy listen. I’ve been following their music for a while and I’m very interested to see where Fickle Friends direct their new era. Will they stray from their 80’s synth pop roots and delve into the unknown? 

Tickets for Fickle Friends’ upcoming tour are available here

‘Amateurs’ is available now via Cooking Vinyl Limited