The 2017 album "Friends" saw White Lies move towards a more electronic and dance-influenced sound, incorporating synths and programmed beats into their signature post-punk framework. This shift marked a notable evolution in their musical direction.
- "Friends" was released on February 16, 2017, by BMG. The album was produced by long-time collaborator Ed Buller, who had worked with the band on their previous albums. Critics noted the album's exploration of new sounds, including prominent synthesizers and electronic elements, diverging from their earlier, more guitar-centric work.
- The album's lead single, "Believe It," was released in late 2016, signaling the new direction. "Friends" charted at number 52 on the UK Albums Chart. The album received generally positive reviews, with many critics highlighting the band's willingness to experiment with their sound.
- The band supported the album with a world tour throughout 2017, playing headline shows and festival dates. The album was also released on all digital platforms and as a vinyl LP. The lyrical themes on "Friends" explored introspection and relationships, a departure from some of the more political or societal themes of their earlier work.
White Lies are a post-punk band from London, England, formed in 2007. They are known for their driving rhythms and stadium-sized indie rock sound. "Friends" arrived during a period when the band was exploring a more varied sonic palette, following a string of more thematically consistent albums.
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