Special Friend - (PRESALE 8/14/26) Clipping (VINYL LP SKEPWAX LP-SKEP-041 2026) | NEW Mint (M) Mint (M)

SHIPS BY 08/14/2026

Artist: Special Friend
Title: Clipping
Genre: Indie & Alternative
Label: SKEPWAX
Special Friend have become the masters of weaving elegant and sophisticated pop musical webs while staying true to their low-fi indiepop roots. The French/American duo (Guillaume on guitar and vocals, Erica on drums and vocals) manage to create a sound like no other band. When they play live, audiences marvel at the huge, intricate structures the band construct, while falling in love with the crystal-clear vocal melodies that are threaded in between the shards of guitar and the rattle of the drums.
The new album is more diverse that the last, with the high-tempo indiepop of first single ‘Breakfast’, the majestic, Yo La Tengo-like dreampop of ‘Clipping’ and the country-ish, gentle, homesick melancholy of ‘Isolation’. Final track ‘OOO’ is a bold piece of Krautrock-inspired experimentation; ‘Mold’ is a beautiful slice of slowcore and opener ‘Paint A Picture’ is modern pop at its catchiest and most direct.
‘Clipping’, the album title, refers to the discipline of pruning growth back, removing dead wood to create a perfectly shaped tree with abundant blossoms: an accurate description of the album, and of the songs that hang from its elegant branches. The album artwork is by Erica: Special Friend are in control of every aspect of this elegant artefact.
‘Clipping’ was recorded in 2025 at Studio Claudio by Alexis Fugain and Margaux Bouchaudon. Set in an isolated rural environment conducive to immersion, the band had seven days in the studio—significantly more than for previous records—allowing for greater care in the recording process, particularly for vocals and arrangements. Several tracks feature synthesizers and organs, acoustic guitar, and even an electric bass on “Sanctuary,” a first for Special Friend. Overall, the record benefits from a more developed and detailed production while preserving the band’s direct approach and spontaneity.

Special Friend – Clipping
Description

Experience the unique sound of Special Friend with their latest release, 'Clipping'. This Indie album features a blend of innovative tracks that explore various themes and emotions.
Highlights

    Format: Vinyl
    Label: Skepwax
    Genre: Indie
    12 captivating tracks

Track Listing

01. Paints a picture

02. Clipping

03. Isolation

04. Theoretical

05. Breakfast

06. Mold

07. Nothing

08. Unwound

09. Mustard

10. Village

11. Sanctuary

12. OOO
Format Details

    Label: Skepwax
    Genre: Indie
    Format: Vinyl

• Condition: NEW
• Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
• Media Condition: Mint (M)
• Format: Vinyl
• Internal ID: 5055869551687
• Genre: ALT/INDIE
• Format Type: LP
• Released: 08/14/2026