The city of Dayton, Ohio, has long been a hotbed for musical creativity, birthing numerous bands that have left an indelible mark on the music industry and on the hearts of music lovers. Among these, The 1984 Draft has carved its niche, blending indie rock sensibilities and the cleverness of punk music with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences. In 2023, the band released “Best Friends Forever.” The buzz on this band is well earned and delivers on a promise of a musical journey that fans and critics alike were eager to embark upon.

Formed in the heart of Dayton, The 1984 Draft has been a mainstay in the indie rock scene, captivating listeners with their distinctive sound and poignant songwriting. Comprising members around the nucleus of principal songwriter, singer, guitarist Joe Anderl and uncompromising drummer and percussionist Justin Satinover, the band has consistently evolved while staying true to its roots. The band is rounded out with Eli Alban on guitar and Chip Heck on bass and most recently Cherry Fullam on backing/co-vocals. The band’s previous releases, including “Heisman Trophy Winner” and “Makes Good Choices,” showcased a musical maturation that hinted at the depth to come with “Best Friends Forever.”

“Best Friends Forever” is not just an album; it’s a sonic tapestry woven with the threads of emotion, experience, and musical prowess. From the opening chords to the fading echoes, the listener is taken on a captivating journey through the varied spaces, places and emotions of sound and sentiment. This is meaningful rock and roll that is not afraid to explore the challenges of maturity, work, aging, family, spirituality and the need for community.

The album kicks off with an anthemic track, “erryday” that serves as a rallying cry, immediately establishing the tone for what’s to come. The infectious energy and melodic hooks set the stage for a collection of songs that traverse the spectrum of human emotion without pulling any punches. If you are looking for charging rock and roll played and sung as if the band members lives depended on it, this it the record for you. Joe Anderl sings about topics deep and mundane with the same ‘take no prisoners’ approach that we used to take for granted from Bob Mould, Paul Westerberg and J. Robbins.

One of the standout features of The 1984 Draft’s music has always been the authenticity of their lyrics. “Best Friends Forever” is no exception. Each song is a lyrical voyage, delving into themes of life, challenge, resilience, and introspection. The band’s ability to craft narratives that resonate universally while maintaining a personal touch is a testament to their songwriting prowess.

Musically, the album showcases the band’s versatility. From the driving rhythms and electrifying guitar solos to the more subdued, introspective moments, The 1984 Draft proves their ability to experiment with different sonic panorama while maintaining a cohesive identity. The production quality elevates the listening experience, allowing each instrument and lyric to shine with clarity. The second track — and a personal favorite of ours — “Big Star” — celebrates the contributions of all of the members of the band. The backing vocals of Cherry Fullam elevate the song and her voice blends seamlessly with Joe Anderl’s.

Throughout the record, Justin Satinover demonstrates an unbelievable effort behind the drum kit that sounds and feels superhuman. The bass is played as a prime and lead instrument by Chip Heck. The bass is not an afterthought, the contribution of the lower end is just as critical as every other instrument. And speaking about the higher end, Eli Alban’s solos and progressions take the songs into orbit. Just listen to “Bells,” “War II,” “Rhino,” “Toldeo Strong” and ‘Hold Steady” — damn, this band rocks.

As “Best Friends Forever” made its way into the ears of fans and critics alike, the response was correctly overwhelmingly positive. Music journalists praised the album for its musical dexterity, lyrical depth, and emotional resonance. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of alternative rock, punk, indie, and post-punk drew favorable comparisons to both classic and contemporary bands. Fans — such as us here at YTAA — took to social media to express their admiration for the album, with many highlighting specific tracks that resonated with them personally, give a listen to “Two Cow Barrage” and not feel the band’s love for the legendary Two Cow Garage. The sense of connection that The 1984 Draft fosters with their audience has always been a hallmark of their work, and “Best Friends Forever” only deepens that bond.

Within the ever-evolving music we call indie rock, The 1984 Draft’s “Best Friends Forever” is not only a spark from the band’s artistic growth and unwavering commitment to their craft, it is one of our favorite records of 2023. The album is not just a collection of songs but a narrative woven with sonic threads that tug at the heartstrings and heads of listeners. As the band’s musical journey continues, one can only anticipate what new real emotional landscapes The 1984 Draft will explore in the years to come.