Friendly Fires return with dazzling new single ‘Lose All Your Friends’

Friendly Fires have returned with a new single, ‘Lose All Your Friends’ – you can listen to it below.

The song marks the first music from the Mercury Prize-shortlisted band since their third studio album, 2019’s ‘Inflorescent’.

Released via LAB Records, the tune marks a “rebirth” of Friendly Fires, who are now a duo comprising Ed Macfarlane and Edd Gibson. The creative process for their new material “shifted toward a return to their roots”, according to a press release.

The resulting songs consist of garage recordings, more live drums, less polish, and are more human and raw, as the pair embrace organic and natural sounds. “Rebirth is in the air as they welcome change and new challenges,” the description adds.

Sharing ‘Lose All Your Friends’ on social media, Friendly Fires teased: “This is just the beginning… Let’s go.”

In the euphoric and optimistic chorus, Macfarlane sings: “If you lose all your friends tonight, it’s alright/ Don’t be afraid of change…” The dazzling instrumental brings a blend of shimmering synths and guitar, backed by a groovy rhythm section.

The duo embrace heading into the unknown on the sun-kissed song, as they acknowledge that life’s missteps are all part of how we arrive where we’re meant to be.

“Sometimes you have to lose everything to start again. Embrace the chaos. Take a chance. Don’t be afraid of change,” Friendly Fires explained as they ushered in their new era.

The band are set to open for Two Door Cinema Club at a trio of dates in New York and Boston next month, before appearing at Bugged Out 2026 in London this October.

Friendly Fires have played various UK shows over the summer, including slots at festivals such as Lovebox and Truck. They supported Two Door Cinema at their huge gig at Cardiff Castle this month, too.

In 2023, Friendly Fires expanded their 15th anniversary plans for their debut album, announcing a full UK tour celebrating the 2008 LP. This coincided with new reissues of their classic single ‘Paris’.

The post Friendly Fires return with dazzling new single ‘Lose All Your Friends’ appeared first on NME.