Clipping
Special Friend have become the masters of weaving elegant and sophisticated pop musical webs while staying true to their low-fi indiepop roots. The French/American duo (Guillaume on guitar and vocals, Erica on drums and vocals) manage to create a sound like no other band. When they play live, audiences marvel at the huge, intricate structures the band construct, while falling in love with the crystal-clear vocal melodies that are threaded in between the shards of guitar and the rattle of the drums. How can a duo achieve so much? UK audiences will be able to ponder this question in March: Special Friend are coming over from France to do a substantial tour of the UK. These shows are highly recommended!
The new album is more diverse that the last, with the high-tempo indiepop of first single âBreakfastâ, the majestic, Yo La Tengo-like dreampop of âClippingâ and the country-ish, gentle, homesick melancholy of âIsolationâ. Final track âOOOâ is a bold piece of Krautrock-inspired experimentation; âMoldâ is a beautiful slice of slowcore and opener âPaint A Pictureâ is modern pop at its catchiest and most direct.Â
Clipping, the album title, refers to the discipline of pruning growth back, removing dead wood to create a perfectly shaped tree with abundant blossoms: an accurate description of the album, and of the songs that hang from its elegant branches. The album artwork is by Erica: Special Friend are in control of every aspect of this elegant artefact.
Clipping was recorded in 2025 at Studio Claudio by Alexis Fugain and Margaux Bouchaudon. Set in an isolated rural environment conducive to immersion, the band had seven days in the studioâsignificantly more than for previous recordsâallowing for greater care in the recording process, particularly for vocals and arrangements. Several tracks feature synthesizers and organs, acoustic guitar, and even an electric bass on âSanctuary,â a first for Special Friend. Overall, the record benefits from a more developed and detailed production while preserving the bandâs direct approach and spontaneity.
The album was mixed by Syd Kemp, who has worked with artists such as Thurston Moore, Ulrika Spacek, Caroline, Crack Cloud, and Vanishing Twin.
Original: $40.00
-70%$40.00
$12.00More Images
Clipping
Special Friend have become the masters of weaving elegant and sophisticated pop musical webs while staying true to their low-fi indiepop roots. The French/American duo (Guillaume on guitar and vocals, Erica on drums and vocals) manage to create a sound like no other band. When they play live, audiences marvel at the huge, intricate structures the band construct, while falling in love with the crystal-clear vocal melodies that are threaded in between the shards of guitar and the rattle of the drums. How can a duo achieve so much? UK audiences will be able to ponder this question in March: Special Friend are coming over from France to do a substantial tour of the UK. These shows are highly recommended!
The new album is more diverse that the last, with the high-tempo indiepop of first single âBreakfastâ, the majestic, Yo La Tengo-like dreampop of âClippingâ and the country-ish, gentle, homesick melancholy of âIsolationâ. Final track âOOOâ is a bold piece of Krautrock-inspired experimentation; âMoldâ is a beautiful slice of slowcore and opener âPaint A Pictureâ is modern pop at its catchiest and most direct.Â
Clipping, the album title, refers to the discipline of pruning growth back, removing dead wood to create a perfectly shaped tree with abundant blossoms: an accurate description of the album, and of the songs that hang from its elegant branches. The album artwork is by Erica: Special Friend are in control of every aspect of this elegant artefact.
Clipping was recorded in 2025 at Studio Claudio by Alexis Fugain and Margaux Bouchaudon. Set in an isolated rural environment conducive to immersion, the band had seven days in the studioâsignificantly more than for previous recordsâallowing for greater care in the recording process, particularly for vocals and arrangements. Several tracks feature synthesizers and organs, acoustic guitar, and even an electric bass on âSanctuary,â a first for Special Friend. Overall, the record benefits from a more developed and detailed production while preserving the bandâs direct approach and spontaneity.
The album was mixed by Syd Kemp, who has worked with artists such as Thurston Moore, Ulrika Spacek, Caroline, Crack Cloud, and Vanishing Twin.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Special Friend have become the masters of weaving elegant and sophisticated pop musical webs while staying true to their low-fi indiepop roots. The French/American duo (Guillaume on guitar and vocals, Erica on drums and vocals) manage to create a sound like no other band. When they play live, audiences marvel at the huge, intricate structures the band construct, while falling in love with the crystal-clear vocal melodies that are threaded in between the shards of guitar and the rattle of the drums. How can a duo achieve so much? UK audiences will be able to ponder this question in March: Special Friend are coming over from France to do a substantial tour of the UK. These shows are highly recommended!
The new album is more diverse that the last, with the high-tempo indiepop of first single âBreakfastâ, the majestic, Yo La Tengo-like dreampop of âClippingâ and the country-ish, gentle, homesick melancholy of âIsolationâ. Final track âOOOâ is a bold piece of Krautrock-inspired experimentation; âMoldâ is a beautiful slice of slowcore and opener âPaint A Pictureâ is modern pop at its catchiest and most direct.Â
Clipping, the album title, refers to the discipline of pruning growth back, removing dead wood to create a perfectly shaped tree with abundant blossoms: an accurate description of the album, and of the songs that hang from its elegant branches. The album artwork is by Erica: Special Friend are in control of every aspect of this elegant artefact.
Clipping was recorded in 2025 at Studio Claudio by Alexis Fugain and Margaux Bouchaudon. Set in an isolated rural environment conducive to immersion, the band had seven days in the studioâsignificantly more than for previous recordsâallowing for greater care in the recording process, particularly for vocals and arrangements. Several tracks feature synthesizers and organs, acoustic guitar, and even an electric bass on âSanctuary,â a first for Special Friend. Overall, the record benefits from a more developed and detailed production while preserving the bandâs direct approach and spontaneity.
The album was mixed by Syd Kemp, who has worked with artists such as Thurston Moore, Ulrika Spacek, Caroline, Crack Cloud, and Vanishing Twin.
