Free Friends are back with a blisteringly honest Emo-Pop Punk anthem that refuses to go quietly. Their latest single, “Toxic Trait,” is a high-energy deep-dive into the emotional wreckage of failed relationships — the kind where you pour everything into someone only to watch it all unravel in slow motion. But instead of wallowing, the band sharpens their heartbreak into a weapon, firing off just over three minutes of catharsis wrapped in catchy hooks and airtight musicianship.
Sonically, “Toxic Trait” is a love letter to the golden age of Pop-Punk. Fans of The Starting Line, Blink-182, and The Story So Far will feel right at home — but this isn’t just nostalgia. Free Friends inject fresh life into the genre with their signature blend of raw emotion and polished execution. Ben’s vocals soar across the track with just the right mix of vulnerability and grit, while the rhythm section locks in with precision and punch. Special shoutout to the cello, which adds a haunting emotional texture that sets this track apart.
And then there’s Pine Creek Academy, whose feature takes “Toxic Trait” to another level entirely. Their contribution adds both emotional gravity and a sense of sonic elevation, turning this from a breakup song into a full-on anthem of self-reclamation.
With relatable lyrics, memorable melodies, and a healthy dose of grit, Free Friends have crafted a track that dares you to scream along, stand back up, and start again. “Toxic Trait” doesn’t just dissect the wreckage — it builds something stronger from the ruins.
Connect with Free Friends:
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sWKMQMxKMdfZNWsozaGNZ?si=3LnfTuqpTGyySzosB5vmjQ
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@freefriendsrock
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freefriendsrock
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FreeFriendsRock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/freefriendsrock
Twitter https://twitter.com/freefriendsrock
SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/freefriendsrock
Website https//www.freefriendsrock.com
Bio:
Free Friends, the explosive pop punk trio, consisting of Husband and Wife Ben and Lauren DeHan along with drummer Gil Perez, have taken the scene by storm with their jaw-dropping set of songs. Collaborating with industry heavyweights like Matt Malpass (blink-182, Magnolia Park), Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco), and Sam Pura (State Champs), they’ve created a unique sound that falls somewhere between blink-182 and Neck Deep, accompanied by cello… The brainchild of Ben DeHan, a musician with a DIY work ethic and a love for the pop punk music he grew up with, began after taking a hiatus from the music business. At that time Ben emerged as a solo artist, collaborating with his now wife and fellow musician, Lauren DeHan, who added her cello skills to the mix. The result was a unique sound with an authenticity that can only be earned as a kid who saw the country through the window of a 15 passenger van and the urgency of a man who has seen the inside of a cubicle. As a solo artist, Ben worked with producers like Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco) Bryan Czap (The Dangerous Summer), and Sam Pura (State Champs) to create his debut and second EP’s, New Nostalgia, and Blank Check. But the project quickly evolved with the addition of drummer Gil Perez, and Ben and Lauren decided it no longer felt right to call it a solo project. Together, they changed the name to Free Friends, a moniker that captures the spirit of their collaborative and inclusive approach to music. With a full band lineup, Free Friends hit the ground running, collaborating with producer Matt Malpass (blink-182, Magnolia Park) to create a unique sound of cello infused Pop-Punk somewhere between blink-182 & Neck Deep. The byproduct of that recording/ upcoming LP is nothing short of epic, featuring collaborations with artists like Hit The Lights, glimmers, and Makeout. The band has national tour dates and festival appearances in the works, ready to make waves in the pop punk scene. Their dual vocals and emotionally charged lyrics are reminiscent of Taking Back Sunday’s anthemic hooks while minimalist verses that could’ve been written by Blink-182, are complemented by poignant cello leads comparable to Yellowcard’s violin. It’s a unique yet definitively pop punk sound that connects and builds upon every era of the genre. Their latest track, “Save Me,” is a modern take on classic 2000s pop-punk, produced by Matt Malpass & featuring Kyle from Makeout. Imagine it as a lost single from Blink-182’s “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket,” but with today’s sonic clarity. It’s a raw cry for help, echoing the emotional depth of bands like My Chemical Romance and The All-American Rejects. Dive in—you might find the rescue you’ve been seeking. Catch them on tour this fall, with national dates & a full-length album dropping Spring, 2024!
