Real Friends a pop punk band from Tinley Park, Illinois brings their fans their new album "Composure", the bands third studio full length album, releasing on July 13th 2018. The band will also be on the Vans Warped Tour this year for it's final cross country run.

This album is extremely relatable. From the opening track through the closer its easy to connect with the content. The album is a very honest touching on subjects such as unrequited love, failed relationships, and perhaps most importantly mental health.

"Me First" is the opening track and instantly hooks the listener with lyrics about being a second choice instead of the top priority. The song asks "Why don't you put me first for once", a question most people have asked. This will be a track that has a lot of fan interaction when played live. Several opportunities for chanting.

"From The Outside" is one of the song's that I connected with personally. "From the outside I seem fine" are lyrics that really resonate. Dan's lyrics in this song detail the struggles of his bi-polar disorder. Keeping up an appearance on the outside to the people around him that he is alright, but on the inside battling himself. Whether intentional or not this song will be an anthem for those who suffer from depression and mental illness.

The title track "Composure" is a song of self assurance and about working to get yourself back. Its about making some compromises for those around you. Regaining the ability to be in social settings.

"Get By" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. A classic Pop Punk callout. "You'll get by, while I get better" shifting the focus to working on yourself, and getting better. Mentally and emotionally. It's ok to be a little selfish sometimes and this song is unapologetically focused on a failed relationship and getting better after the breakup.

Closing out the album is "Take A Hint". This is a great wrap up track, giving the feeling of acceptance. "We're willingly lost" are words that will hit home to anyone that has felt like they don't know where they are going or what direction to take in life but being content in what they are doing.

Overall this album has a great mix of styles and honest lyrics. Whether you are a fan of old albums, or just now finding Real Friends this will be an album to play loud with the windows down. Play it with your friends, or when you are reflecting on life by yourself. Be sure to check out Real Friends on tour as well, they will be Vans Warped Tour all summer for the final cross country run.