Advertisement
Looking forward to a mid week spring warmer? Sonic Masala has you covered…French-American indie noise-pop duo Special Friend are back in the studio working on their third full-length album. Known for their minimalist yet emotionally rich soundscapes, the Paris-based band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots: lo-fi textures, soft vocal harmonies, and a captivating interplay between voice, guitar, and drums.
Formed in 2018, Special Friend is comprised of Erica Ashleson (drums, vocals) and Guillaume Siracusa (guitar, vocals), who first met at a concert in Paris. At the time, Erica had just started playing drums, and Guillaume joined her on guitar. Within four months, the two friends were writing their first songs together.
Their self-titled debut EP, recorded in just two days in their rehearsal studio and released in 2019, introduced a stripped-back yet powerful sound that drew comparisons to Yo La Tengo, Duster, and Electrelane. Their first full-length album, Ennemi Commun (2021), was warmly received and led to performances at major festivals including La Route du Rock, Binic’s La Cathédrale, and Paris Pop Fest.
In 2023, the band released their second album Wait Until the Flames Come Rushing In on UK label Skep Wax (run by Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey of Heavenly and Sarah Records fame) alongside French labels Howlin’ Banana Records and Hidden Bay Records. The record expanded Special Friend’s sonic palette, incorporating violin and keyboard while maintaining their hallmark spontaneous and unpolished charm. With its honest, rhythmic and mesmerizing take on modern indie pop, the album was a bold step forward for the band.
Since then, Special Friend has toured extensively across France, Europe, and the UK, winning over audiences with their intimate, emotionally resonant live performances.
Their upcoming album, currently in production, continues this trajectory—exploring new arrangements and sonic textures while drawing from influences such as Yo La Tengo, Elliott Smith, and a hybrid of indie pop, slowcore, and folk pop. It promises to be their most adventurous and melodic work yet, reinforcing their place in the indie underground as a duo committed to both evolution and authenticity.
Special Friend announce their third album Clipping out March 2026 on Skep Wax, Howlin’ Banana, and Hidden Bay Records.
——
Support comes from:
- Friday Chores - the new venture from Lace Thief’s Laura Dickinson and artiste Mitch Proctor, a guitar-and-bass jangle pop sensation; have only heard snippets thus far but am very excited to have them on board; and
- Vom Vorton, a veritable mainstay of the Notts DIY landscape, popping up here and there like a nomadic meerkat to remind us all of his wily pop chops before squirrelling away, having us begging for more. He has that C86/David Gedge vibe (in my insubstantial opinion), or maybe he’s the Whimsical Robert Pollard of the Peaks that we didn’t know we had or needed - either way it’s a pleasure to have him on board too!
£10adv
All Ages Show
BYOB
JT ACCESSABILITY INFO..
Entrance to the venue is via a single 4” step from the street, for which we have a portable ramp available upon request. Our main room is a single level gig space with no stage. It is primarily standing room only but have chairs available if required. Access to the toiler, merch and quiet space area is via a single 6” step, for which we have a ramp available upon request. The toilet itself has a sloped entrance leading to a single cubicle with space for a wheelchair and handrails on the door and walls. Quiet space available upon request. All events are all ages, and offer free entry for personal assistants. We aim to be as inclusive as possible, if you have any accessibility requests, suggestions or comments don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
JT Soar, 2 Aberdeen St,Nottingham, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
