Los Angeles-based artist Erin Greider surveys the wreckage of a relationship on ‘We Could’ve Been Friends’, the latest track from her forthcoming sophomore album. Rather than mourning what was lost, Greider considers what might have survived if things had ended differently: shared songs, recommendations and the possibility of friendship, all sacrificed by someone who ultimately treated her badly.
Driving, almost tribal-like drums open the track alongside a crunchy, grungy bassline before distorted guitar arrives for the first chorus. From there, ‘We Could’ve Been Friends’ gradually brightens, introducing cleaner, jangling guitars as its catchy chorus lifts away from the darker verses. A distorted guitar solo provides one final release, reinforcing the song’s unmistakable 90s alt-rock flavour.
Greider’s vocal fits that world perfectly, balancing melodic warmth with a dry, occasionally bitter edge. Her narrative approach makes each detail feel like another piece of evidence being calmly laid out until the conclusion becomes unavoidable. There’s sadness in what could have been, but ‘We Could’ve Been Friends’ ultimately feels more cathartic than heartbroken — less about grieving the relationship than recognising exactly why it needed to end.
