‘New #2’ proves to be a mix of several genres
Northern Virginia’s power trio known as Her Next Friend plays garage band punk with a rock n’ roll feel
By Caite White, managing editor
Posted on August 31, 2006

Despite slightly predictable melodies and familiar vocals, Her Next Friend succeeds in creating a quirky, offbeat album, New #2. 

Based in Northern Virginia, Her Next Friend describes itself as “Classic American Garage Alternative Rock” — naturally. Their second record includes six original songs and a cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” all of which have an upbeat, almost punk-rock feel.

The second track on the album, “Reeling For Me,” sounds vaguely like Neal, the rockstar character in “Uptown Girls” who sings “Egyptian Cotton.” In fact, the entire album reeks of past and present bands — and their lead singers. At times, you can hear the voice of Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows, and in “Mexican Poker,” the lead singer throws in an effected British accent.

In addition to crafting their odd sound, the guys of the band — three full-time members, to be exact — don’t take themselves too seriously. Their Web site, for example, details the exact meaning of the band name. In case you’re curious, it is a British term used for a person who actively represents someone who is disabled or unable to represent himself (or herself) in a suit against him. The band continues with more definitions and eventually gets into introductions of each member. Actually, almost every member — Jon Burton, on guitar and vocals, “doesn’t want anyone to know anything else about him” except his influences, which includes William Shatner.

Her Next Friend’s music is infectious, if not slightly erratic. The album’s twists and turns make the sound of each song different and entertaining. Although, if you don’t want to “play it loud,” as the message on the coverlet from Antipoison Records Co-founder Jon Paulette suggests, it makes a great CD for background music.

Her Next Friend will be performing at Main Street Bar & Grill within the next few weeks, so keep your ears peeled.