On July 29, Philly-based Friendship will release their new album Love the Stranger. Today they share the final peek at the LP before release via new single “Chomp Chomp,” a song that holds the distinction of having the only repeated refrain—“loving the stranger”—on the album. The single premiered via Flood Magazine, and the band’s Dan Wriggins told them, “‘Chomp Chomp’ is based on a composition of Michael’s from a few years ago. He had some complicated chords in there. We scrapped most of them but left a couple in. We also scrapped my rhythm guitar part—a good decision more often than not. Lyrically, it’s another one about the miracle of love. And about dumb advice I’ve given because I thought I was protecting someone.”

“Chomp Chomp” marks the fourth single the band has shared leading up to the release of Love the Stranger. Last month, they released “Alive Twice” which Stereogum called “a low-key one about taking a moment to appreciate the simple joys of life” and Brooklyn Vegan said “pairs Dan Wriggins’ plainspoken delivery with something a little synthier and glitchier compared to the folky vibes of the previous singles.” Friendship have also shared the video for “Hank” which was directed by comedian Joe Pera and saw support from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and WXPN, among others, as well as “Ugly Little Victory” about which Brooklyn Vegan said, “It’s as lovely and tender as you’d expect from this band, and Dan’s plainspoken yet emotive vocals sound as great as ever.” Love the Stranger was co-produced by the band and Bradford Krieger and can be pre-ordered on CD, LP, and opaque “blue galaxy” Peak Vinyl.

Next month, Friendship will be heading out on a North American tour with Tenci. The shows kick off August 2 in Nashville and conclude in Chicago on August 14. Along the way, they will make stops in DC, New York, Toronto, and other cities including Philadelphia for a hometown show at Johnny Brenda’s. All dates are listed below.

Friendship on tour:
Aug 02 Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR*
Aug 03 Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre Side Stage*
Aug 04 Durham, NC – The Pinhook*
Aug 05 Washington, DC – Songbyrd*
Aug 06 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s*
Aug 07 New York, NY – TV Eye*
Aug 09 Boston, MA – The Rockwell*
Aug 10 Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo*
Aug 11 Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel*
Aug 12 Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe*
Aug 13 Detroit, MI – The Underground @ DIME*
Aug 14 Chicago, IL – The Hideout*
Sept 02 Asheville, NC – Static Age Records^
Sept 03 Asheville, NC – Static Age Records^
Sept 05 Knoxville, TN – Pilot Light^
Sept 06 Athens, GA – Flicker Theatre^

* w/ Tenci
^ w/ MJ Lenderman