Today’s song is “Hellthy” by Friend Slash Lover. Fronted by Connecticut native Josh Mintz. Hia love of music was obvious as early as eight years old, winning state and national championships playing the fife in a drum corps marching band. His early experience in a band definitely prepared him for life as a professional musician. “I guess you could say I grew up on the road, on tour,” Mintz explains. “Every weekend, we piled into a dilapidated school bus and traveled around New England and the East Coast. No matter how much we partied (and I was a kid, so by “party” I mean we stayed up late), we had to be ready to march several miles in the heat and play our instruments for hours. It was brutal.”
An all-around artiste, Mintz also attended the Rhode Island School of Design where he polished his creative skills and found deeper inspiration for future projects. He later moved to Los Angeles where he landed his art work into local galleries, but still had his heart set on music. Axing the former solo artist name Stupid Human, Mintz teamed up with bassist Frank Day seven years ago to form Friend Slash Lover and added Jake Hayden, drums, and Greg Pajer, guitar, during the last two years. As a successful doctor with a knack for organization, Frank brought a sense of much-needed order to Mintz’s artistic impulses. Now FSL has the full, live sound to bring Mintz’s vision to life. The seasoned performers have already hit some of the most popular night clubs and music venues in Los Angeles such as The Roxy Theater, The Viper Room, Bootleg Theater and Skinny’s Lounge.
In 2010, the Friend Slash Lover released their debut EP As American As Ones And Zeros. Excited and ready for the next chapter, FSL called upon Thomas Flowers, who mixed the last album, to produce The Grey Area. The new six-song compilation is much more musically developed and the growth of the band is illuminated by the evocative lyrics and instrumentation. On the lead single “The Grey Area,” Mintz showcases his wide-range vocal chops as the beat progresses for an up-beat climax. The EP also features a stellar cover of the 1987 hit “Dear God” by major alternative rock band XTC. Each song boasts each band member’s talent and carries its own depth and message. Ultimately, The Grey Area is a modern sonic art piece waiting to be discovered.
Listen below and for more information check out their official website and Facebook page.