We previously featured State of Us for inviting us to reflect on abandoned relationships with the nostalgic and poetic single, Adore, so when we heard that the Norwegian band was back with Pretenders, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to share our experience.
Establishing the mood with a pizzicato guitar energy, expanding with rolling, textured drums and melodic depth, Pretenders opens with classic rock notions and a high emotional quotient. The band shares the lyrics, “Hanging out with some friends, share a laugh, now and then, still acting like we’re 20 years old, you and I like lovers do…”
We immediately fall in love with the unfolding narrative and the reflective and introspective nature of what comes to life. The instrumental segues are dimensional rock at its finest, whilst the poetic prowess that manifests feels super authentic and timeless.
What really gets us is the idea of reconnecting with someone from our past and the nostalgia of briefly slipping back into who we used to be. The song is set against the backdrop of a summer music festival and captures the familiarity of meeting an old lover or friends after years apart.
Fans of Crowded House, R.E.M. and The War on Drugs would be able to connect with the track, and for sync placements, we could imagine Pretenders fitting well into The Worst Person in the World, Past Lives, Begin Again, Adventureland or The Way Way Back. On television, episodes of Normal People, One Day, Daisy Jones & The Six and Love Life feel like a natural fit.
As the third single from State of Us this year, Pretenders also builds anticipation for the band’s upcoming album which is planned for early 2027. Needless to say, we love the journey that State of Us are taking us on, and have added Pretenders to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the band’s exquisite, growing discography and anticipate what they have in store for 2027.