3 Reasons You Should See Weakened Friends Live

Last year I was introduced to the music of rock trio Weakened Friends when I saw them open for Letters to Cleo at Bowery Ballroom, and I really liked what I heard. When I learned the band, who hail from Portland, Maine – home of the Portland Sea Dogs – were making a return trip to NYC to headline at Mercury Lounge, I made sure to be there.

If you want to know why I was amped to see them a second time, check out these three reasons why you should see Weakened Friends live.

1. They’re Modern Alt-Rock Goodness With Classic Influences

If you mix together the aggression of “You Oughta Know” era Alanis Morrissette, the kick ass, girl power, rock of Veruca Salt, and some of the musical sensibilities of Weezer, you’d get Weakened Friends.

With a modern alt-rock vibe, and aggressive rock vocals from Sonia Sturino, if the Lilith Fair still existed, Weakened Friends would likely be the hardest rocking act on the stage, and a sure crowd favorite.

2. They Have Fun While Rocking Out

Whether it’s a witty quip in-between songs, or the effusive smile of bassist Annie Hoffman – who was sporting a King’s Pharmacy little league jersey she said she picked up at a thrift store in, if I recall correctly, Ithaca, NY – Weakened Friends aren’t just a band that rock out, they’re a band that truly enjoys rocking out. That kind of emotion is highly contagious, making it pretty easy to have a good time at one of their shows.

3. They Pack a Lot Into a Short Set

As I’ve mentioned in previous show reviews, indie artists do not have the luxury of having extended sets. This leads them to have to make decisions regarding how many songs they can fit into a short amount of time, while also attempting to find moments to speak with, and relate to, the crowd. What percentage of their set will be music, and what percentage of their set will be personality, is a constant struggle, especially considering most indie artists are attempting to turn new listeners into fans.

Weakened Friends has found a way to alleviate some of the stress of organizing their set, as they’ve mastered the art of the seamless transition. There were a few times where I think they literally went from the last chord of one song to the first chord of the next. This is a perfect way to fit more songs, or an extra story, into a set.


To find out when, and where, Weakened Friends are performing next, check out their Facebook page for show dates.