Philadelphia sibling duo Saint Friday just dropped their debut single, and it’s a strong first impression. Helen and Johnny Fordyce formed the band in 2025, blending bubble grunge and shoegaze into something that feels both nostalgic and current. “REASON” was recorded at Little Brother Audio as part of a four-song project they started this summer. The track tackles toxic attachment, that specific kind of relationship where you know it’s draining but you can’t walk away because it makes you feel alive. Helen calls it cognitive dissonance, being totally aware of the codependent cycle but unable to leave it.
Helen’s vocals are addictive and cut through the mix of the more busy rhythm sections and glide beautifully over the more delicate ones. Speaking of mix, the production quality here is great, which isn’t something you usually find in a debut single. The clean guitars are perfectly twinkly and create that wistful vibe that fits the lyrical content perfectly. The drums are not overstated; they just serve their purpose, driving the song forward and escalating the dynamics as the song builds to a climax.
“REASON” captures that mix of euphoria and heartbreak without trying to resolve it. The band’s playing The Moose in West Chester on November 7 and Underground Arts in Philadelphia in February. For a debut single, this hits harder than most bands manage several tries in.
