“Polish math rock band transitions to emo with new album ‘Failed As A Friend'”

The April sunshine in Warsaw doesn’t bring warmth as it pierces through the cold air on a day that feels like a mistake on the calendar. Despite the chill, For Example John’s new single, “Faking Life,” blazes with chaotic riffs, sparking from their encounters with French math rock band VANR. Today, the band offers a preview of their upcoming album, “failed as a friend,” by streaming the entire LP on IDIOTEQ ahead of its May 8 release. This collection of thirteen tracks marks a departure from their clean math rock sound, delving into a messier, more emotional territory that captivates listeners from start to finish.

A pivotal shift occurred during the creation of this record in 2025 when guitarist Piotr Pietrzak immersed himself in emo music, influencing the band’s direction. While the math rock foundation remains intact, the overall vibe leans towards emo and punk, creating a dynamic blend that sets this album apart.

Listening to the album in sequence reveals a deliberate progression rather than a random assortment of tracks. The songs flow seamlessly, starting with a restless energy, progressing through a more expansive middle section, and culminating in the emotionally charged title track, “failed as a friend,” which serves as the album’s emotional core.

“Faking Life,” positioned towards the end of the record, encapsulates the underlying emotional thread running through the entire album – a depiction of individuals struggling to maintain a facade while crumbling internally. The lyrics, delivered by lead vocalist Aleksandra Banasiak, explore the complexities of daily life, from self-deception to hopelessness and everything in between.

The title track, “failed as a friend,” reflects on personal disappointments and unmet expectations in relationships without adhering to a strict narrative structure. Instead, the album portrays a collection of sentiments and reflections translated into musical compositions that resonate with raw emotion.

Throughout the album, influences are transparent and deliberate. Pietrzak acknowledges Arm’s Length’s “There’s a Whole World Out There” as a significant influence and openly invites listeners to pick up on that. The use of the Qi Etherealizer guitar effect, designed by Yvette Young, further shapes the album’s sound, particularly notable in tracks like “Nothing Will Change” and “Late Teenage Memory.”

For Pietrzak, crafting the album as a cohesive arc drew inspiration from iconic records like The Gaslight Anthem’s “The ’59 Sound” and Spanish Love Songs’ “Brave Faces Everyone,” aiming to replicate their narrative quality. The album’s vinyl release further solidified this approach, dividing the record into distinct sides to create a cohesive listening experience.

Featuring collaborations with both local and international artists and meticulous mixing and mastering from UK-based professionals, “failed as a friend” stands as a testament to For Example John’s evolution as a band. The album’s intricate details and stylistic nuances come to life when experienced in full, showcasing the band’s growth and musical vision.

From the high-energy opener to the experimental tracks that push boundaries, “failed as a friend” offers a glimpse into For Example John’s musical evolution and emotional depth. With each track carefully crafted to resonate with listeners, the album invites audiences into a world where raw emotion and intricate compositions intersect, creating a compelling listening experience from start to finish.