Thrusting guitars, an infectious chorus and a suitably grand finale. Familiar Enemies make their intentions clear with Only One.
Only One bursts into life with a kinetic energy, its driving guitars carrying more than a hint of Foo Fighters. Rooted in the grit and melody of turn-of-the-millennium alternative rock, Familiar Enemies wear their influences openly while finding their own character within the genre.
The song dates back to 2018, when Joshua Dean first developed Familiar Enemies while living in North Carolina. Several line-up changes and a move to Scotland later, Only One remains the band’s live set opener. It’s fitting that one of their earliest compositions should now lead the way towards their debut album.
Beyond its explosive introduction, the track shifts between quieter passages and bursts of intensity. The vocals carry a measured passion, their melodic delivery sitting comfortably within the arrangement. But it’s the chorus that makes its mark. The lyrics bring an emotional weight, lifted by the guitars and a memorable hook. You can almost hear a live audience joining in.
Recorded largely at Dean’s home studio in Invergordon, with drums recorded by Iain McLaughlin at IMOUT Studios, Only One retains an independent spirit and a touch of rawness without sacrificing instrumental clarity. The accompanying music video deserves particular praise, an impressively shot and polished production that complements the release.
There’s a real sense of purpose to the songwriting, particularly in the construction of the chorus and the way the track builds towards its conclusion. Familiar Enemies know how to make those bigger moments count, allowing the music to gather momentum before delivering a genuinely epic finale. Only One earns its ending.
As the first step towards their debut album in 2027, Only One suggests Familiar Enemies have plenty more to say. There’s a confidence in the songwriting and an obvious enthusiasm for the music they’re making. If this is the direction they’re taking, the rest of the album should be worth hearing.
