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Fickle Friends
Fickle Friends
Fickle Friends
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Fickle Friends are an English indie rock band from Brighton, East Sussex, England. The band formed in 2013, and is made up of Natassja Shiner (vocals, keyboard), Harry Herrington (bass, backing vocals), Sam Morris (drums) and Jack Wilson (keyboards). Natassja met Sam at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and met Harry, Jack, and former member Chris the following year in BIMM Brighton.[2]

Key Information

After two years touring the UK and Europe without a label or publisher and playing 53 festivals across 2 years, Fickle Friends signed to Polydor Records.[3] The band recorded their debut album in Los Angeles with Mike Crossey and it was released on 16 March 2018 during a promotional UK tour.[4] Fickle Friends' debut album You Are Someone Else was released on 16 March that year, and entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 9.[5]

History

[edit]

2013–2015: Formation and touring

[edit]

The band formed in 2013.

They released the single "Swim" early 2014. 31 March they released the single "Play". On 15 September they released their next single "For You".

25 May 2015 they released their first EP Velvet. On 6 October they released the single "Say No More".

2015–2018: You Are Someone Else

[edit]

The band released the single "Cry Baby" on 27 July 2016. On 3 November they released "Brooklyn".

9 March 2017 they released the single "Hello, Hello". On 15 July they released the single "Hard to be Myself". On 11 August they released their next EP Glue. They re-released their single "Swim" on 22 November.

Fickle Friends debut album You are Someone Else a lyric from the single and featured track "Brooklyn" was announced 21 November 2017. Their last single leading up to the albums release was "Wake Me Up" which was released on 2 March 2018.

The album was released on 16 March 2018, reaching a peak place at no. 9 on the UK chart.

On 14 June, the band released You are someone Else: Versions, an EP of variations of tracks from their debut album.

6 September they released the track "Broken Sleep". 5 October they released "The Moment". 9 November they released the final song in this trio EP "San Francisco".

2019–2022: Weird Years and Are We Gonna Be Alright?

[edit]

The Band released new singles: "Amateurs" was released by 18 October 2019, "Pretty Great" was released on 17 January 2020 and "Eats Me Up" was released on 4 March 2020.

Fickle Friends provided a remix of the track "Kelly" by The Aces on 28 August 2020.

On 1 September 2020, they announced the structure and idea for their second studio Album Weird Years. Because they were unable to tour, they released the album in separate EPs or 'Seasons', taking inspiration from television. This was accompanied by the release of the first track of the EP "What a Time" on 4 September. Their second single "92" was released on 16 October. The third and final single "Million" was released on 20 November. The first season was released on 15 January 2021.

The first single from Weird Years Season 2 "Not in the Mood" was released on 30 March 2021. The second single from the EP "Cosmic Coming of Age" was released on 14 April 2021. Weird Years Season 2 was released on 7 May 2021.

On 8 September 2021 they announced their second studio album 'Are We Gonna Be Alright?' and released their first single of the album "Love You To Death". The second single "Alone" was released on 13 October. The third and final single of the album "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah " was released on 19 November.

Fickle Friends released a Christmas single "My Favourite Day" on 1 December.

'Are We Gonna Be Alright?' was released on 14 January.

2023–2024: Hiatus

[edit]

After their second album, the band decided to find time to focus on their mental health.

2024–present: Fickle Friends

[edit]

During July 2024, Fickle Friends teased they had returned to the studio. Soon followed by snippets of three new songs, these would be a part of their third studio album.

Between 31 October 2024 and 2 October 2025, they released 6 tracks from the album as singles. In order, they were:

  • "Feral"
  • "Dream"
  • "Swoon"
  • "Happier"
  • "UP!"
  • "Joe"

Their third studio album, self-titled as "Fickle Friends", was released on 7 November 2025.[6]

Band members

[edit]

Current

[edit]
  • Natassja Shiner – vocals, keyboard
  • Jack Wilson – keyboard, guitar, backing vocals, samples, programming
  • Jack 'Harry' Herrington – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Sam Morris – drums, percussion

Former

[edit]
  • Christopher Hall – guitar

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
You Are Someone Else[7]
  • Released: 16 March 2018
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: CD, LP, Digital, Cassette
 9
Are We Gonna Be Alright?[8]
  • Released: 14 January 2022
  • Label: Cooking Vinyl
  • Format: CD, LP, Digital, Cassette
 —
Fickle Friends
  • Released: 7 November 2025
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, LP, Digital, Cassette
 —

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays
Title Extended play details
Velvet[9]
  • Released: 25 May 2015
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: Digital
Glue[10]
  • Released: 15 August 2017
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: LP, Digital
You Are Someone Else: Versions[11]
  • Released: 14 June 2018
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: Digital
Broken Sleep[12]
  • Released: 9 November 2018
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: Digital
Weird Years: Season 1
  • Released: 15 January 2021[13]
  • Label: Cooking Vinyl
  • Format: Digital, LP
Weird Years: Season 2
  • Released: 7 May 2021
  • Label: Cooking Vinyl
  • Format: Digital, Cassette

Singles

[edit]
  • "Swim" (2014)[14]
  • "Play" (2014)
  • "For You" (2014)[15]
  • "Could Be Wrong" (2015)
  • "Say No More" (2015)
  • "Swim" (2016)[16]
  • "Cry Baby" (2016)
  • "Brooklyn" (2016)
  • "Hello Hello" (2017)
  • "Glue" (2017)
  • "Hard to Be Myself" (2017)
  • "Swim" (2018) (re-release)
  • "Say No More" (2018) (re-release)
  • "Heartbroken" (2018) (featuring Amber Run)
  • "Broken Sleep" (2018)
  • "The Moment" (2018)
  • "San Francisco" (2018)
  • "Amateurs" (2019)
  • "Pretty Great" (2020)
  • "Eats Me Up" (2020)
  • "What A Time" (2020)
  • "92" (2020)
  • "Million" (2020)
  • "Not in the Mood" (2021)
  • "Cosmic Coming of Age" (2021)
  • "Love You to Death" (2021)
  • "Alone" (2021)
  • "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" (2021)
  • "My Favourite Day" (2021)
  • "Feral" (2024)
  • "Dream" (2024)
  • "Swoon" (2025)
  • "Happier" (2025)
  • "UP!" (2025)
  • "Joe" (2025)

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Album / EP
"Swim" 2016 n/a
"Cry Baby"
"Brooklyn" Album
You Are Someone Else
"Hello Hello" 2017
"Glue"
"Hard to Be Myself"
"Swim"
(Fan Video) 		2018
"Wake Me Up"
"Say No More"
"Broken Sleep" EP
Broken Sleep
"The Moment"
"San Francisco"
"Amateurs"
(Lyric Video) 		2019 n/a
"Pretty Great" 2020
"Eats Me Up"
"What a Time" EP
Weird Years: Season 1
"92"
"Million"
(Lyric Video)
"IRL" 2021
"Finish Line"
(Lyric Video)
"Cosmic Coming of Age" EP
Weird Years: Season 2
"Won't Hurt Myself"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fickle Friends

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fickle Friends are an English band formed in , , in 2013. The band, known for their euphoric sound blending electronic elements with catchy melodies and high-energy performances, consists of Natassja Shiner on vocals and keyboards, Jack Wilson on keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals, Harry Herrington on bass and backing vocals, and Sam Morris on drums. Originally signed to , they rose to prominence with their debut album You Are Someone Else in , which featured sparkling, synth-driven tracks like "Swim" and "Play". After parting ways with the label, Fickle Friends released their second album Are We Gonna Be Alright? independently in 2022, exploring themes of personal growth and relationships through upbeat pop anthems. In November 2025, they issued their self-titled third studio album, marking a vibrant return with singles such as "Swoon", "Happier", and "Joe", emphasizing their signature "indie poptimism".

History

Formation and early career (2013–2015)

Fickle Friends formed in 2013 in , , when vocalist and keyboardist Natassja Shiner relocated there to study at the BIMM Music Institute. Shiner had previously met drummer Sam Morris while attending the , and upon arriving in , she connected with guitarist Chris Hall, bassist Harry Herrington, and keyboardist Jack Wilson to complete the band's initial five-piece lineup. The band quickly began releasing music independently, starting with their debut single "Swim" in January 2014, which appeared on the compilation New Moons: Volume 1 by Killing Moon Records. This was followed by "Play" on 31 March 2014 and "For You" on 23 September 2014, all distributed via self-managed channels to build early online buzz in the indie scene. On 25 May 2015, Fickle Friends issued their debut EP Velvet through independent label B3SCI Records, a four-track collection that included "Could Be Wrong" and "Paris" alongside reworked early material, marking their first cohesive project. The release highlighted their emerging indie pop sound, characterized by synth-driven melodies and upbeat rhythms. Throughout this period, the band cultivated a fanbase via local performances in and nearby areas, including university events at BIMM and gigs at small venues like DIY spaces, which helped solidify their presence in the regional community before wider recognition.

Debut album and breakthrough (2016–2018)

Following the buzz generated by their independent Velvet EP in 2015, Fickle Friends signed with in early 2016, marking their transition to a major label. This deal enabled the band to expand their reach, beginning with the release of their breakthrough single "Swim" on April 1, 2016, which showcased their shimmering sound and garnered early radio attention. The momentum continued with "" on July 28, 2016, produced by in and inspired by themes of emotional excess, followed by "" on November 3, 2016, a synth-driven track that highlighted frontwoman Natti Shiner's emotive vocals. A re-release of "Swim" in 2018 further amplified their growing profile, blending the original's dreamy hooks with refined production. Building toward a full-length project, the band issued the Glue EP on August 11, 2017, featuring the title track's groovy bassline and summery synths as a precursor to their debut album. This was complemented by the You Are Someone Else: Versions EP in May 2018, which included acoustic and alternative takes of album tracks like "Say No More" and "Heartbroken," offering fans intimate reinterpretations. The debut studio album You Are Someone Else arrived on March 16, 2018, largely produced by in with additional contributions from the band and Charlie Hugall, capturing their evolution from DIY indie roots to polished . The record debuted at No. 9 on the , reflecting strong initial sales and streaming support. Critics praised the album for its catchy hooks and emotional depth, with highlighting its "spangling guitars and glitzy earworms" as a "strong shot of brazen pop," while noting the band's five-year buildup to this polished breakthrough. Tracks like "Glue" and "Swim" received significant airplay on , including a Piano Session performance and a live set at the 2018 on the Radio 1 Stage. Promotion centered on an 18-date headline tour coinciding with the release, featuring album launch events and media appearances that solidified their live energy and fan connection.

Independent era (2019–2022)

In 2018, Fickle Friends parted ways with due to creative differences and established their own imprint, Palmeira Music, marking a shift toward greater artistic control and DIY production methods. This transition was exemplified by the release of their Broken Sleep EP on September 6, 2018, which served as the band's first output under the new label and featured tracks like the title song, with promotion and touring extending into 2019 amid their independent rollout. In January 2019, lead guitarist Christopher Hall departed the group after five years, citing unresolved issues, reducing Fickle Friends to a four-piece lineup of vocalist Natassja Shiner, Jack Wilson, Harry Herrington, and drummer Sam Morris. The band continued building momentum independently with singles like "Pretty Great" in January 2020, a synth-driven track exploring fleeting encounters that previewed their evolving pop sound and tied into the thematic groundwork for subsequent releases. This period of experimentation culminated in the Weird Years EP series, an innovative seasonal format released via starting in 2021. Weird Years (Season 1) arrived on January 15, blending nostalgic synths with introspective lyrics on and pop culture's pressures, earning praise for its punchy hooks and emotional depth as a bold preview of the band's sophomore album. Weird Years (Season 2) followed on September 23, featuring collaborations like Nightly on "Turns Me Bad" and tracks such as "Not in the Mood," which critics lauded for stronger cohesion and catchy production compared to the first installment, highlighting the project's risky yet refreshing structure. Fickle Friends' second studio album, Are We Gonna Be Alright?, was released on January 14, 2022, through , comprising 12 tracks that delved into themes of , toxic relationships, heartbreak, and the pursuit of happiness amid personal burnout. Produced with a high-energy, 1980s-influenced indie-pop aesthetic and DIY ethos, the record received positive critical reception for its danceable vitality and Natassja Shiner's commanding vocals, though some noted it lacked the immediate spark of their 2018 major-label debut You Are Someone Else, which had charted at number 9 on the . In contrast, Are We Gonna Be Alright? achieved more modest commercial success, peaking at number 48 on the during its single week.

Hiatus (2023–2024)

In early 2023, Fickle Friends announced an indefinite hiatus following the release of their second album, Are We Gonna Be Alright? (2022), citing the need to prioritize amid burnout from extensive touring and the pressures of the music industry. The band described the decision as essential for personal recovery, with frontwoman Natassja "Natti" Shiner revealing in interviews that she had fallen out of love with music due to accumulated exhaustion and emotional strain. This break came after a period of intense activity that included promoting the album's themes of as an escape from stress, highlighting the contrast between its outward energy and the underlying personal toll. During the hiatus, the band members pursued individual paths focused on and reflection rather than new collaborative projects, with no official music releases from the group. Shiner engaged in and practices inspired by author Joe Dispenza to rebuild her connection to creativity, while keyboardist Jack Wilson emphasized positive thought work to address challenges. These personal endeavors allowed the members to process industry demands on independent artists, such as relentless schedules that can lead to sustainability issues, as Shiner later reflected on the necessity of stepping back to avoid long-term detriment. The band maintained a low-key presence, sharing occasional updates to reassure fans of their without delving into specifics. Behind the scenes, the period involved internal discussions about the band's future, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and autonomy that would influence their return. Public statements from the group underscored the hiatus as a transformative pause, enabling them to confront burnout head-on and emerge with clearer artistic vision, free from external pressures. This reflective time contrasted sharply with their prior prolific independent era, emphasizing rest as key to long-term viability in indie music.

Comeback and self-titled album (2024–present)

Following a period of hiatus that allowed the band to recharge creatively, Fickle Friends marked their return in late with the release of the single "Feral" on , signaling the end of their break and the start of a new independent phase under their own imprint, Palmeira Music. The track, described as capturing the thrill of spontaneous adventures and unbreakable friendships, served as a teaser for their upcoming material and highlighted their renewed energy. The comeback built momentum through a series of singles leading to their , including "Dream" in December 2024, "Swoon" in February 2025, "Happier" on April 10, 2025, and "Joe" on October 2, 2025, with additional promotions around tracks like "Bleach," "Fantasy," "Feral," and "Fear." "Happier" explored the nuances of emotional recovery and , while "Joe" delved into the messy irrationality of new romance, reflecting the band's evolving songwriting. Fickle Friends released their self-titled third studio album on November 7, 2025, via Palmeira Music, consisting of 10 tracks entirely self-produced by the band. The record encapsulates themes of joyful chaos, complicated love, personal growth, and rediscovering passion for music and life, drawing from the band's experiences during and after their hiatus. Initial reception has praised the album's radiant sound, vibrant energy, and the empowering DIY approach of self-production and independent distribution, positioning it as a rebirth for the group. In conjunction with the launch, Fickle Friends introduced their official to foster closer connections with supporters through exclusive content and updates. Promotional activities have included active social media campaigns on and , sharing behind-the-scenes insights and fan interactions, alongside s where members discussed their personal evolution and creative rejuvenation post-hiatus.

Musical style

Genres and influences

Fickle Friends' music primarily encompasses and , with elements of , 80s new wave, and modern . Their sound features vibrant, danceable tracks that blend retro-inspired synthesizers with contemporary production, creating an accessible yet layered aesthetic. The band's influences draw from upbeat indie acts such as Phoenix and Two Door Cinema Club, which inform their rhythmic energy and infectious grooves, alongside 80s pop icons like Michael Jackson for polished, hook-driven arrangements. Comparisons to The 1975 highlight shared traits in emotional introspection and syncopated guitar elements, contributing to a modern indie introspection in their work. These inspirations manifest in a signature blend of playful, euphoric melodies and hooks juxtaposed with cynical lyrics exploring relationships, heartbreak, and mental health struggles. Over time, Fickle Friends' style has evolved from guitar-driven indie roots in their early releases, emphasizing raw energy and live instrumentation, to a more synth-heavy production in later albums that amplifies their leanings and escapist vibe. This shift allows for greater textural depth while maintaining their core focus on uplifting yet introspective songcraft.

Songwriting and production

Fickle Friends' songwriting process is primarily led by vocalist Natassja Shiner, who crafts lyrics drawn from personal narratives of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, with contributions from the full band during jamming sessions and demos. Shiner often channels emotional lows into her words, creating a contrast with the band's upbeat melodies, as seen in tracks like "92," which reflects on family and birth year experiences. Band members provide input on structure and instrumentation, refining ideas collaboratively before finalizing arrangements. The band's production approach has evolved significantly, shifting from polished major-label sessions to independent, self-directed efforts. Their 2018 debut album, You Are Someone Else, was recorded in with producer , achieving a glossy sound through professional studio techniques and external oversight. In contrast, later releases like the 2025 self-titled album embraced DIY production, handled entirely by the band using home-based setups for writing, recording, mixing, and design. This self-production allowed for greater creative control, capturing raw energy from intense growth periods. Throughout their , Fickle Friends blend live —such as guitars and —with synths and electronic elements to create layered, textured soundscapes. Keyboardist Jack Wilson often integrates synth layers for depth, drawing briefly on 80s-inspired tones in tracks like "92." Their songs emphasize concise, hook-driven structures—described as "bite-sized chunks of pure pop"—while lyrics maintain thematic depth, progressing from euphoric, dance-oriented expressions to more introspective explorations of vulnerability.

Band members

Current members

As of 2025, Fickle Friends operates as a four-piece band, maintaining the core lineup established since their early years with no changes reported following their 2022 independent releases. Natassja "Natti" Shiner serves as the and , while also contributing significantly to the group's songwriting process across their discography, including the 2025 self-titled album. Known for her emotive vocal delivery that blends vulnerability with pop accessibility, Shiner has been central to the band's creative direction. Jack Wilson handles keyboards, guitar, backing vocals, samples, and programming, providing key input on synth arrangements and production since the band's formation in 2013. His production role is evident in recent tracks like those on the self-titled album, where he is credited as a . Harry Herrington plays and contributes backing vocals, offering the rhythmic foundation through co-written bass lines that underpin the band's upbeat indie sound. Herrington has been part of the lineup since 2013, supporting live and recorded efforts consistently. Sam Morris is the drummer, driving the percussion in both studio recordings and live performances with energetic rhythms that enhance the band's pop energy since joining in 2013. His contributions extend to co-writing on recent material, such as tracks from the 2025 album.

Former members

Christopher Hall served as Fickle Friends' lead guitarist from the band's formation in 2013 until January 2019. During his six-year tenure, Hall contributed guitar parts to key early releases, including the debut EP Velvet (2015) and the studio album You Are Someone Else (2018), while also performing on the band's initial UK and European tours that built their indie pop following. His role helped shape the group's guitar-infused synth-pop sound in their formative years. Hall's departure was announced on 16 January 2019, stemming from disagreements over multiple issues that prevented continued collaboration. In a statement, Hall noted, "We unfortunately couldn't agree on a number of issues that would have resulted in us continuing working together." The band responded by expressing sadness over the split after "the most amazing 5 years working with Chris" and wishing him success in his next endeavors. No other permanent former members are documented in the band's history. Following Hall's exit, Fickle Friends transitioned to a four-piece configuration, powering through live shows and self-released projects in their independent phase without recruiting a replacement . This reduction streamlined their stage setup, with Jack Wilson and other members absorbing additional guitar duties in performances and recordings.

Tours and live performances

Early tours and support slots

Fickle Friends formed in in 2013 and quickly established a local following through DIY gigs and performances at university events across the city during 2013–2015, honing their energetic live sound in intimate settings. By 2016–2017, the band expanded their reach with support slots for prominent indie acts, including and , which helped introduce their synth-driven pop to larger audiences and solidify their reputation on the UK circuit. In 2017, Fickle Friends launched their first UK headline tour, a series of dates promoting the release of their Glue EP and marking a shift toward self-led performances in mid-sized venues. The momentum carried into 2018 with their inaugural US headlining tour supporting the debut album You Are Someone Else, encompassing East Coast stops in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., where they adapted to international crowds and longer travel hauls. That summer, they secured festival slots at Reading and Leeds, delivering high-energy sets that showcased tracks from the new album to thousands amid the UK's premier outdoor events. Early tours as a five-piece outfit presented logistical hurdles, such as coordinating gear and accommodations in a shared van for regional drives and squeezing onto stages at compact venues, fostering the band's tight-knit dynamic through shared hardships.

Headline tours and festivals

Fickle Friends launched their headline tour in support of the album Are We Gonna Be Alright? in January 2022, beginning with a show at in on 13 January and featuring a date at Scala in on 20 January. The tour showcased the band's evolving sound through high-energy performances across multiple cities, marking a significant step in their maturation as a live act following the album's release on 14 January. Throughout 2022, prior to their hiatus, the band secured notable appearances, including various European performances that highlighted their growing international presence. These outings allowed Fickle Friends to refine their stage dynamic, blending hooks with vibrant visuals to engage diverse audiences. The hiatus from 2023 to 2024 ultimately served as a recharge, revitalizing their approach to live shows with renewed vigor. In 2025, Fickle Friends returned with a headline tour promoting their self-titled third album, released on 7 via Palmeira Music. Key dates included a launch show at Green Door Store in on 7 , Village Underground in on 8 (with early doors at 6:00 PM), Mama Roux's in Birmingham on 9 , The Bullingdon in on 11 , in on 12 , and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in on 13 (sold out), alongside a stop in Southend at Chinnerys on 5 . Fan club pre-sales and perks like priority access underscored the strong demand, with several shows selling out rapidly. Transitioning to a four-piece lineup consisting of Natassja Shiner on vocals and keyboards, Jack Wilson on guitar and production, Harry Herrington on bass and backing vocals, and Sam Morris on drums, the band has emphasized high-energy, synth-driven live sets that capture the euphoric chaos of their new material. Recent post-comeback reviews have commended this evolution, noting Shiner's captivating stage presence, dynamic vocals, and enhanced audience interaction that foster an electric, communal atmosphere during performances.

Discography

Studio albums

Fickle Friends have released three studio albums to date, each showcasing their evolution from polished indie pop to more introspective and self-directed sounds. Their debut marked a breakthrough on the charts, while subsequent releases explored personal themes amid label changes and independent ventures. The band's debut studio album, You Are Someone Else, was released on 16 March 2018 through . It features 12 tracks, including "Swim" and "Brooklyn," and peaked at No. 9 on the . Lyrically, the album delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, reflecting struggles with personal authenticity amid relationships. Their second album, Are We Gonna Be Alright?, arrived on 14 January 2022 as an independent release via . Comprising 11 tracks, it peaked at No. 48 on the . The record centers on challenges, including the emotional toll of and relational strains. The self-titled third album, Fickle Friends, was issued on 7 November 2025 through the band's own Palmeira Music label. This 11-track effort, entirely self-produced, explores themes of love, chaos, and personal growth. The tracklist includes "," "Wow," "Happier," "Honest," "Joe," "Fantasy," "Swoon," "," "," "Dream," and "UP!". Early reception has praised its vibrant energy and DIY ethos, positioning it as a bold creative rebirth.

Extended plays

Fickle Friends' extended plays have served as key vehicles for creative experimentation, enabling the band to test new sonic territories, formats, and thematic structures in shorter releases that complement their album cycles. The band's debut EP, Velvet, was independently released on 25 May 2015 and comprises four tracks that compile early singles, reflecting their initial experiments with synth-infused indie pop and electronic melodies. Tracks such as "Velvet" and "Could Be Wrong" highlight a raw, emerging style blending catchy hooks with atmospheric production, laying the groundwork for their pop sensibilities. After signing with , Fickle Friends issued Glue on 11 August 2017, a five-track EP that bridged the gap to their debut by exploring more vibrant, dance-oriented elements. The title track "Glue" stands out as a summery driven by groovy basslines and layered synths, capturing themes of passionate connection and marking a polished evolution in their sound. In 2018, You Are Someone Else: Versions followed via Polydor, presenting four tracks of remixes and acoustic reinterpretations from their debut album to experiment with stripped-back and alternative arrangements. This EP includes acoustic versions of "Say No More" and "Heartbroken" alongside a MUNA of "Bite," allowing the band to revisit their material through varied production lenses and acoustic intimacy. Post-debut, Broken Sleep emerged on 9 November 2018 through the band's independent label Palmeira Music, featuring three tracks that delved into 1980s-inspired experimentation with a focus on emotive, perfectionist arrangements. The title track "Broken Sleep" exemplifies this shift toward bolder electronic textures and introspective lyrics, signaling a newfound independence in their creative process. Transitioning to a novel seasonal release format tied to their second album era, Weird Years: Season 1 was independently released on 15 January 2021 and includes five tracks structured as thematic "episodes" exploring , , and personal growth. This approach fostered ongoing experimentation by treating songs as interconnected narratives, with titles like "What a Time" and "Finish Line" emphasizing euphoric and reflective moods. The series continued with Weird Years: Season 2, independently issued on 7 May 2021, comprising four tracks that extended the experimental framework through cosmic and introspective themes, including a collaboration on "Turns Me Bad" with Nightly. This EP built on the seasonal concept to refine their pop sound with bolder collaborations and narrative continuity.

Singles

Fickle Friends began releasing singles in as an independent act, initially through small labels like Killing Moon Records, before signing with Polydor in 2016, which facilitated wider distribution and re-releases of their early material. Their early singles established a sound blending indie elements with catchy hooks, often self-produced or recorded in DIY settings. These tracks gained traction through online platforms and live performances, laying the foundation for their breakthrough period. The band's debut single, "Swim," was originally released on April 1, 2014, as a digital file via Killing Moon Records. It received a re-release on , 2016, under as an AAC single, marking their major-label debut and boosting visibility. The track charted in the UK, entering the Top 100 on August 11, 2016, at number 53 (its peak), with a total of four weeks on the chart, including re-entries in December 2018 and April 2020. This re-entry in 2018 highlighted renewed interest amid album promotion. Follow-up singles "Play" (March 31, 2014) and "For You" (September 15, 2014), both digital releases, further showcased their nascent pop sensibilities without significant chart impact but building a fanbase.
TitleRelease YearLabelUK Peak Position
Swim2014 (orig.), 2016 (re-rel.) / Polydor53
Play2014-
For You2014-
In their breakthrough phase, Fickle Friends shifted to more polished productions, with "" emerging as a pivotal release on July 29, 2016, via B3SCI Records as a digital and vinyl single, including a HONNE as a B-side. Recorded in with producer , it captured themes of emotional vulnerability and helped secure their Polydor deal. "," released November 3, 2016, followed as a digital single, evoking nostalgic summer vibes with influences, and was paired with "" on a limited vinyl in 2017. The 2017 single "Hard to Be Myself," out October 12 via Polydor, addressed and featured production by , marking a turn ahead of their debut album.
TitleRelease YearLabelUK Peak PositionNotes
Cry Baby2016B3SCI-Includes HONNE remix
Brooklyn2016Polydor-Paired with Cry Baby on vinyl
Hard to Be Myself2017Polydor-Produced by
Post-debut album, the band's later singles reflected a period of experimentation and label transition to in 2020. "Pretty Great," released January 17, 2020, as a digital single, introduced upbeat, reflective themes from their era, serving as a lead track for Are We Gonna Be Alright?. In 2021, they issued "Alone" on October 13 as a hi-res single, emphasizing isolation amid the , alongside holiday track "My Favourite Day" on December 1 and "Yeah Yeah Yeah" on November 19, all via , which maintained their indie-pop core without major chart entries.
TitleRelease YearLabelUK Peak Position
Pretty Great2020Cooking Vinyl-
Alone2021Cooking Vinyl-
Yeah Yeah Yeah2021Cooking Vinyl-
My Favourite Day2021Cooking Vinyl-
Following a hiatus, Fickle Friends mounted a comeback in 2024 with independent releases on their Palmeira Music label, focusing on raw, self-produced tracks. "Feral," released in 2024 as a digital single, signaled their return with energetic synth elements. This led into 2025 promotions for their self-titled , with singles "Wow" (2024, album precursor), "Happier" (April 2025), "Honest," "Joe" (October 2025), and "UP!" (July 2025), all digital releases emphasizing healing and vibrancy. "Joe" debuted as a teaser single on October 2, 2025, ahead of the album's November 7 release. These tracks, often accompanied by lyric videos, revived their live promotion momentum without specified B-sides but with remixes like "Happier (Chilled)." No major chart impacts were noted for this period, though streaming metrics underscored fan reconnection.
TitleRelease YearLabelUK Peak Position
2024Palmeira Music-
Wow2024Palmeira Music-
Happier2025Palmeira Music-
Honest2025Palmeira Music-
Joe2025Palmeira Music-
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Music videos

Fickle Friends' early music videos reflected a DIY aesthetic, often filmed on low budgets in familiar locations to capture the band's raw, youthful energy. The 2014 video for "Play," directed in-house, featured simple shots of the band performing amid coastal and urban settings, emphasizing their roots and playful camaraderie. Similarly, the "Swim" video, released in 2016 and directed by Casey & Ewan, adopted a gritty, animated style with surreal elements like colorful fluids and children being playfully dragged, symbolizing emotional turmoil in a disused building setting. As the band gained traction, their videos evolved into more polished productions with vibrant, thematic visuals tied to single releases. The 2016 "" video, directed by Adam Willis, embraced colorful 1980s-inspired pop aesthetics, depicting exaggerated emotional expressions to mirror the song's exploration of vulnerability. That same year, "," directed by Charlotte Rutherford, shifted to urban, neon-drenched themes, portraying the band navigating cityscapes to evoke longing and . In later years, Fickle Friends incorporated innovative elements like and self-reflective chaos, aligning visuals closely with lyrical themes. The 2020 "Pretty Great" video featured animated sequences blending hand-drawn whimsy with live-action performance, highlighting optimism amid uncertainty. By 2024, the "Feral" video, directed by Lewis Jones, adopted a , high-energy style with dynamic to capture wild, uninhibited freedom. Videos tied to their 2025 self-titled album further demonstrated this maturation, focusing on narrative depth and vibrancy. "Joe," released as a visualiser, presented a straightforward, intimate portrayal of new love's exhilaration and messiness through subtle animations and band footage. In contrast, "Happier" delivered polished, colorful visuals emphasizing emotional uplift and resilience, often touching on motifs seen in their mid-2020s work. Overall, the band's progressed from lo-fi experimentation to professional, lyric-driven storytelling, enhancing their thematic focus on relationships and personal growth.

References

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  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHZi_YjGAN/
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  96. https://www.discogs.com/release/10971589-Fickle-Friends-Glue-EP
  97. https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-are-someone-else-versions-ep/1412107855
  98. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/fickle-friends-announce-you-are-someone-else-versions-ep-8458692/
  99. https://www.clashmusic.com/news/listen-fickle-friends-share-broken-sleep-ep/
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  105. https://genius.com/albums/Fickle-friends/Weird-years-season-2
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