Yesterday, I travelled early to my children’s school for their festival of dances. On the Transmilenio (a bus rapid transit system that serves Bogotá, the capital of Colombia), I plugged the earphones in and put the Music collection on autopilot. Out came today’s featured track Growing Pains by Tough on Fridays. I loved it and heard it a few more times on the trip. I was perplexed how it hadn’t already featured here. The guitar strum which gathers momentum in Growing Pains and maintains its grip is akin to Sam Fender’s Seventeen Going Under, but the vibe is a more equable and sensitised here. Also consider this: Seventeen Going Under has 30 million views on YT whilst Growing Pains 30 views. Yes, you did read that correctly.
After doing some digging, I realised I first heard Growing Pains on Jeff’s web site, so I’ll turn this article over to him as a gesture of my appreciation.
I enjoy discovering and supporting indie artists and bands, so I write reviews of their music or articles about them to help promote them to a wider audience – Eclectic Music Lover
Hailing from Georgetown, Texas, not far from Austin, grunge pop-rock trio Tough on Fridays have been on an upward trajectory since forming in 2017. Now consisting of Caleigh Oceguera on vocals & guitar, Carly Fairchild on bass & vocals, and Chris Schreck on drums, they’ve garnered an enormous base of loyal fans through their memorable music, relatable lyrics and high-energy live shows. Blending elements of indie, alt-rock, pop and grunge, they create their own unique style of edgy rock ‘n roll. Since 2017, they’ve released numerous singles and EPs, which culminated in the release of their outstanding debut album A Fantastic Way to Kill Some Time, in September 2020 (my review has been viewed more than 1,100 times, making it the fourth most-viewed album review I’ve written.)
In the two years since, they’ve released several singles, the latest of which is “Growing Pains“, which dropped August 15th. The song has a pleasing folk-rock vibe, highlighted by Caleigh’s lovely strummed guitar work, while Carly and Chris keep the lively rhythm on their bass and drums. The subtle piano keys are a nice touch, adding to the song’s melodic sound. Caleigh’s slightly echoed vocals have a vulnerable quality, providing a rather melancholy undercurrent to the track as she plaintively sings the lyrics directed to a former loved one that she’s moving on from the relationship: “Growing pains. Sick of hearing how I’ve changed. Cause I’ve outgrown you, I don’t need you. Cause I’m pulling all your weight. Done cleaning up the mess you’ve made. You always made./ Am I bitter? Just feeling better.” It’s a wonderful, beautifully-crafted and masterfully-arranged track that nicely showcases Tough on Fridays’ continued growth and musical maturity.
References:
1. Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 18 – Black Bear Kiss, The Metal Byrds, Tough on Fridays – Eclectic Music Lover
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I really like this song. It flows and ebbs perfectly.
Friday morning on the bus, ‘Growing Pains’ put me in a lucid and chirpy state of humor. I’m glad you like it as well Tom. I still can’t fathom how it just has 30 views on YT after 8 months. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to wonder if I still live in the world, I was born in.
I really liked it. Seems like it would have more. The world is harder to understand every day Matt. Like stepping into an alternate reality some days!
I’m relieved it’s not just me that feels I have sidestepped into an alternate reality. Phew!
I thought it was very cool.
Thanks so much for the mention and sharing my review of this song.
No, thank you friend. It was the least I could do.