Iodine Recordings brings PIEBALD’s 2002 classic We Are The Only Friends We Have back to life, celebrating its legacy with a beautifully crafted reissue.
We Are The Only Friends We Have, an essential album of the early 2000s emo scene, gets a long-awaited remaster for vinyl by Jack Shirley (known for work with JOYCE MANOR, QUICKSAND). The reissue also boasts completely reconstructed artwork, created from negatives of the original photoshoot, and includes a reflective essay penned by the band, adding a personal touch to this already nostalgic release.
PIEBALD formed in Andover, Massachusetts, back in 1994, with Travis Shettel on vocals, guitar, and keys, alongside guitarist Aaron Stuart. High school friends Jon Sullivan (drums) and Andrew Bonner (bass) completed the original lineup.
By the early 2000s, PIEBALD had cemented their place in the Merrimack Valley’s indie and post-hardcore circuit, sharing origins with influential acts like CAVE-IN and CONVERGE. After evolving through lineup changes and rising success, the band welcomed drummer Luke Garro just before releasing We Are The Only Friends We Have.
On its initial release, singles like “American Hearts” and “Just a Simple Plan” achieved significant traction, even reaching national radio airplay. Tours with MINUS THE BEAR, GLASSJAW, HEY MERCEDES, RX BANDITS, SAVES THE DAY, and NEW FOUND GLORY expanded their reach, and the band’s charismatic presence earned them a cult following.
PIEBALD became a staple on the emo touring circuit, often regarded as “kings of sing-alongs,” with Shettel’s lyrics blending autobiographical, sociopolitical, and sarcastic elements into catchy, singable choruses.
The band initially disbanded in 2008 but returned in 2016, spurred by the digital re-release of their catalog. Since their reformation, PIEBALD has played with DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL, THE MOVIELIFE, and WEAKENED FRIENDS, and performed at prominent festivals like Boston Calling, Riot Fest, Furnace Fest, and Wrecking Ball. Now, their collaboration with Iodine Recordings to reissue their catalog suggests this isn’t just a look back but potentially a step toward future music.
The deluxe edition of We Are The Only Friends We Have (available via Iodine/Deathwish) includes 12 bonus tracks, a mix of B-sides, demos, covers, and live performances, packaged in a double LP with an expanded gatefold.
Deluxe Tracks:
“You Wouldn’t Be a Piece Without a Mustache”
“Leave My Mouth Alone”
“The Stalker” (Demo)
“The Monkey Versus The Robot” (Demo)
“Look, I Just Don’t Like You” (Demo)
“Elizabeth”
“The King”
“Cities”
“It’s Going to Get Worse Before it Gets Better” (Acoustic)
“Strangers” (Acoustic)
“No One Else”
“Bad Scene, Everyone’s Fault”
“The Christmas Song” (Live)
