Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/01/2023

Pop punk group FRND CRCL (pronounced “Friend Circle”) have released their third studio album, Suburban Dictionary. These "key players in the new wave of pop punk on the scene” (New Noise Magazine) have been compared to Blink-182, Simple Plan and Sum 41, bringing their delightfully nostalgic yet strikingly infectious fresh feel into the fifth wave of pop punk.
The band’s punk rock take on today’s modern spiritual revolution entitled Suburban Dictionary is a conceptual piece that, from start to finish, takes listeners through the motions of a day in the life of the average suburbanite.
Listen to Suburban Dictionary here.
Starting at 7AM and delving into social issues, love and mental health, FRND CRCL's depiction of suburban life is a relatable take on the classic emo-esque storyline of fitting in, standing out, growing up, relationships, gossip and much more throughout the 14 track narrative.
The juxtaposition between the instrumentals reminiscent of peak 2010s pop punk and heavy lyrics brings a familiar, nostalgic feeling back to the surface with each profound pop punk anthem. With fresh catchy melodies, anthemic choruses and guitar breakdowns, the progression of songs and overall concept is an encapsulation of the band’s evolution, summarizing FRND CRCL as a whole while defining their signature urban punk and imaginative sound.
“People ask us all the time what FRND CRCL means” shares the band. “You’re the realest version of yourself when you’re with your friends; this albums for those who relate to their friends more than the life around them… whether that be their home life, society, in their newsfeed or on tv.”
FRND CRCL continue to carve their niche into the realm of pop punk, bringing their delightful nostalgic yet strikingly infectious fresh feel into the now. Catch them live at an upcoming performance near you. More to be announced soon.
FRND CRCL are brothers Zac Johnson (Guitar, Vocals), Nick Johnson (Bass Guitar) and Aaron Smith (Drums, Vocals). This entire album cycle, merch, vinyls, artwork and content was released independently via FRND CRCL.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
July 20 – York, PA – West York Inn
July 21 – Manville, NJ – Bound Brook Moose
July 22 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall's
July 27 – Mt. Holly, NJ – Gideon's House Show
August 6 - Long Island, NY – Amityville Music Hall
August 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Walmart Beach Pier
August 25 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean Downstairs
September 7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Knitting Factory
September 9 – Fresno, CA – Great Room
September 10 – Las Vegas, NV – The Artifice
September 11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
October 6 – Perryville, MD – 5th Brewing Company
October 7 – Manayunk, PA – The Grape Room
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