Additional Information
Operating somewhere between sharp-edged rock, controlled chaos, and self-aware humor, Fake Friends have carved out a space that feels both immediate and slightly unhinged. The Montreal-based six-piece have built a reputation on songs that flirt with noise and tension while never fully letting go of melody, pairing abrasive moments with an instinctive sense of groove.
With Let’s Not Overthink This, their second full-length album arriving February 13, 2026, Fake Friends return with a record that feels bolder, louder, and more confident in its contradictions. It’s a project that reflects a band comfortable with friction between influences, personalities, and ideas, while continuing to evolve beyond their earlier releases.
As part of Taverne Tour, Fake Friends will be doing a free release show at Saint-Sacrament on the 13th of February. We caught up with Fake Friends to dig into the ideas, detours, and contradictions that shaped the record and the band around it.
From Brainstorm to Stage
PANM 360: You recently announced your second full-length album, Let’s Not Overthink This, coming out February 13, 2026. As a six-piece band, how do you approach writing and arranging? Does everyone contribute equally, or is there one member who leads the demo/riff process?
MICHEAL KAMPS: This album is basically Felix’s brainchild. He had a bunch of old demos on his computer, and we listened through them to pick the most inspiring ones. The lyrics are split between Felix and Matt. A lot of the arranging really comes together when we rehearse and play the songs live, which helps the tracks evolve naturally.
Noise, Basslines, and Everything In Between
PANM 360: Comparing this new album to your previous EPs and albums, and especially to your two singles (Sucker Born Every Minute and The Way She Goes), there seems to be a shift toward more noise and dissonance. You’ve incorporated more synthesizers, instrumental layering, and tracks that revolve around the bassline. As a band, who would you say are your main inspirations for this album?
MICHEAL KAMPS: People often compare us to The Hives and Shame. A friend who heard the album early even said we sounded like Spiritual Cramp. Honestly, it’s hard to pin down exactly where our sound comes from because there are so many influences within the band that we don’t all agree on. Luca tends to lean toward heavier music, Felix… doesn’t really like music at all (no joke). So inspiration kind of comes from a mix of everything and nothing.
PANM 360: Following up on that, is there a band or artist people often compare you to that you secretly disagree with?
MICHEAL KAMPS: In Halifax, some drunk guy almost peed on my shoe and said, “you guys are like the Canadian blink-182.” I absolutely hated that one.
PANM 360: Finally, are there influences on your sound that have nothing to do with music at all, such as movies, literature, art, or personal experiences, and how do they shape the mood or atmosphere of your songs?
MICHEAL KAMPS: Oh, the usual stuff — South Park, McDonald’s, the fine city of Cincinnati in the ’80s, spaghetti… Basically random pieces of our world end up leaking into the songs and giving them a certain weird vibe.
Tracks, Guests, and Accidental Hits
PANM 360: Were there any collaborations or guest musicians on this album that fans should look forward to?
MICHEAL KAMPS: Absolutely. Our good pals Hannah Castelli (Cross Check) and Clarence Tremblay (Birds of Prrrey) contributed some amazing vocals on a few tracks. Akira Sato (Chop Sue Me) helped out with gang vocals and added some dialogue on one track. And, of course, sworn enemy and nemesis Timothy Aaron Bryan (Timo Bryan) of MULCH and DEATH AS IT SHOOK YOU tried to sabotage our recording… but somehow we ended up using his spoken word vocals for the benefit of the album.
PANM 360: If you had to describe the new album in one sentence to someone who’s never heard your music, what would you say?
MICHEAL KAMPS: 80s Cincinnati Spaghetti Chili Rock.
PANM 360: What’s the track you’re most proud of, and what makes it special compared to everything else you’ve done?
MICHEAL KAMPS: The last track, Good Friends, came together completely out of nowhere. Most of the album has kind of goofy, cheeky lyrics, but Good Friends is much more emotional and desperate. It wasn’t even supposed to be on the album, which makes it my personal favorite. It’s raw, unexpected, and heartfelt.
PANM 360: Compared to past releases marked by lineup changes and fragmented recording processes, how does this album reflect your growth as a band?
MICHEAL KAMPS: This one just feels solid. We were more focused, and everyone’s heart was in the same place. On our last release, we recorded in different studios with different engineers and went through so many lineup changes. Overall, this album feels more organic because it was all made with the same people from start to finish.
Greasy Sets, Big Stages, and Summer Plans
PANM 360: You’re doing a free launch show at Saint-Sacrement Bar in Montreal as part of the Taverne Tour. How are you adapting these songs for a live setting, and are there moments in your performance where you like to experiment or improvise?
MICHEAL KAMPS: You’ll have to come to the show to find out. The set is greasy, and we’re looking forward to performing in such a special space.
PANM 360: You’ve done some incredible shows in Canada, like your memorable performances with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and at Club Soda in Montreal. What can fans expect from your touring and live shows this year?
MICHEAL KAMPS: We’ll be out and about this summer. There’s a big Pouzza gig on the outdoor stage in spring, and we’ll definitely be hitting Ontario and the Maritimes. We’re also hoping to play some festivals outside Quebec that we’ve never done before. For the latest updates, just check our Instagram.
Closing statement
PANM 360: Looking back at this album and your journey as a band, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to other artists about evolving their sound while staying true to themselves?
MICHEAL KAMPS: Delete TikTok, delete Grindr and Tinder, throw your labubu in a volcano, listen to Miles Davis… and maybe try opium. Just kidding. The real thing? Have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously, and be nice to each other. That’s the most important part.
