The Lemonheads of Hate Your Friends were a completely different beast from the jangly, alt-rock heroes they’d later become. Back in 1987, this was a punk band—loud, scrappy, and brimming with the kind of raw energy that only comes from a group of kids cutting their teeth in Boston’s hardcore scene. Released on Taang! Records, the album is a ferocious debut, unpolished and unapologetic in its approach.
Tracks like “Hate Your Friends” and “Fed Up” are packed with attitude, sneering vocals, and breakneck riffs, proving they were firmly rooted in punk before ever dabbling in the melodic pop-rock they’d later be known for. Ben Deily’s snarling delivery paired with Evan Dando’s early flashes of melodic sensibility created a sound that was equal parts chaotic and compelling.
What made them different? Unlike many of their punk contemporaries, you could already hear the tension between their aggressive roots and the more melodic instincts bubbling under the surface. While the energy was pure punk, tracks like “Second Chance” hinted at the bittersweet tone that would define their later work.
In their Hate Your Friends era, The Lemonheads weren’t just another punk band—they were young, angry, and figuring out how to blend heartfelt songwriting with the reckless abandon of their scene. It’s a raw and fascinating snapshot of who they were before fame and evolution reshaped their identity.
Sterling Mosh 
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