Now that’s What I Call Nostalgia: Piebald, “We Are the Only Friends We Have”
By Ryan Pangilinan

In the years leading up to 2002’s “We Are the Only Friends We Have,” Piebald was already enjoying a great run as part of the new wave of pop-punk-emo-post-hardcore bands that were cropping up every which way. By the summer of 2002, their peers in New Found Glory and Saves the Day had become legitimate hitmakers. Though they weren’t backed by entities as large as Drive Thru or Vagrant, Big Wheel Recreation, the label that released “We Are the Only Friends” was well respected in the scene and, arguably, if there was ever an album that could define Piebald, it was certainly this one.

Juxtaposing huge choruses, underscored synth parts and crunchy guitars along with dark subject matter, Piebald was the “adult” pop-punk band that addressed matters such as crippling depression (“Just a Simple Plan”), constant touring (“King of the Road”) and materialism (“Rich People Can Breed”) – all stuff that is the norm for pop-punk groups today, but Piebald preceded most of these kids by nearly a decade.

Sadly, I feel as though the band and this album never got the recognition it deserved. During this record’s touring cycle, Piebald took out My Chemical Romance and Minus the Bear as their support acts, both of whom have gone onto much greener pastures.

Though not much has changed in the indie rock landscape, this record – nine years later – doesn’t sound dated and its subject matter is still just as important and poignant than ever.

What do you get when you take three of the nicest and handsomest guys in the world, a Joey Ramone tattoo, a splash of guitar gear nerdy-ness,  and rarely a song over 90 seconds? You get The Give-Ups. Duh.

I’m a Midwest transplant and every time I go home for a visit I hope that The Give-Ups will be in the same area with their gear and preferably playing their tunes. It is rarely the case that this happens, but when it does, my heart fills with fast, pop-punk joy. The shows in the Midwest differ from the ones here in Seattle, WA. See the photo below; that’s how we roll in the Midwest. Punk shows are a collective happening, not a collection of people standing around watching others play music.*coughSeattlecough*

The Give-Ups shows are an experience. The songs are rarely over 2 minutes long. There is no talking in between songs. It is just pure, fast and loud; the way rock n roll is supposed to be.

The Give-Ups have spent the past year or so working on their first full length endeavor at Sonic Iguana Studios with Mass Giorgini. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this release to come out. Well actually I AM telling you how excited I am for this by writing this little piece. Until the release is officially out, you should check out their awesomeness.

—Michelle Leigh

The Give-Ups Myspace

The Give-Ups Youtube (go there to see live videos)

The Give-Ups Facebook (Be their friend, they won’t bite)