Friday In California’s ‘The Red Room’ – Hard Rock Revitalised

Emerging from the North East of England, hard rock trio Friday In California made a bold and passionate debut with their first EP, The Red Room. Formed in 2019 by founding members Shaking Duke and Chris O’Sullivan, the band solidified its powerhouse lineup with the addition of drummer Ben Easson in 2020. Over the past four years, Friday In California has crafted a unique sound that combines the grit of classic rock with a modern edge. With The Red Room, they’re officially stepping onto the stage, ready to share an intimate collection of songs that reflect both personal and universal battles.

The EP draws on hard-hitting influences from legendary rock acts, with the raw energy of Guns N' Roses, the riff-driven power of AC/DC, and the dark, evocative tones of Black Sabbath and Dio, to name a few. Each of these influences melds together into a sound that’s familiar yet unmistakably their own, showcasing their mastery of both melody and intensity. The release is both a tribute to rock’s golden age and a fresh, energetic take on the genre that reflects the world they’ve navigated over recent years.

The Red Room is a collection of songs that carry genuine emotional weight, driven by themes of love, depression, resilience, and self-confrontation. As they explain, this EP represents more than just music; it’s a product of personal experiences that have shaped them as individuals and as a band. They’ve poured their hearts and souls into the music, a process they describe as an honest if sometimes “cheesy,” attempt to turn real emotions into art. The songs feel like raw conversations, capturing the band’s personal reflections on the ups and downs of life. From the heartache of love to the resilience needed to overcome inner battles, Friday In California presents a cathartic journey, expressed in power chords and driving beats.

While The Red Room is rooted in the sounds of iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, it goes beyond homage, bringing something new to the table. This isn’t just a record for old-school rock enthusiasts; it’s an offering for anyone who appreciates music that’s as vulnerable as it is fierce. Friday In California has taken the essence of hard rock and redefined it, giving a new generation a reason to turn up the volume and lose themselves in the music.

In The Red Room, listeners find an introduction to a band that’s clearly passionate, with a sound forged in the trials and triumphs of real life. This is hard rock with heart, delivered by a trio who knows the genre’s past but is equally ready to shape its future.