Special Friend

We’ve got a cool gig coming up in Brighton early next year that should be on your radar if you’re into the quieter, more textured side of indie music. The Franco-American duo Special Friend is making a stop here on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This pair, consisting of Erica Ashleson on drums and vocals and Guillaume Siracusa on guitar and vocals, are actually based out of Paris, but they’ve built a reputation for their minimalist indie noise pop sound since forming back in 2018. They are scheduled to play at The Rossi Bar, with doors opening at 7:30 PM (19:30).

If you haven't heard them, their style leans heavily into lo-fi textures and melancholic indie pop. While they started out with a noise pop edge, drawing comparisons to bands like Duster and Electrelane, their sound has evolved significantly. Their more recent work explores slowcore and folk pop territory, showing influences from groups like Yo La Tengo and Elliott Smith. You can expect those signature elements in their live performance: guitars utilizing loops and reverb, and ethereal, harmonized vocals that create a distinct atmosphere. The timing of this show is particularly interesting because their third album, titled Clipping, is scheduled to drop in March 2026, right around the time they hit the UK. Catching them live offers a chance to hear this new material right as it’s released.

This Brighton date seems to be part of a short UK run, suggesting they are bringing their new material across the channel immediately following the album launch. For instance, there’s also mention of a related event, 'BTCP: Special Friend', happening the very next day, Thursday, March 5, 2026, over at The Smokehouse. If you appreciate indie music that prioritizes atmosphere and texture, and you enjoy the blend of slowcore melancholy with subtle noise pop elements, this performance at The Rossi Bar is definitely one to mark on the calendar for early March.