Friends In Real Life Drop New Album and Play at The Sardine
Friends in Real Life—Photo by Goody James
Folk punk fans around the world were devastated when Pat the Bunny announced his retirement back in 2016. Some were more understanding than others, noting that he had never been one to shy away from change, but the fear that the world may never get more music from the man behind Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains, Wingnut Dishwashers Union, and Ramshackle Glory seemed unanimous.
Through those projects, and more than a few lesser-known ones, Pat the Bunny influenced generations of songwriters to come. His brutal honesty and sharp wit made his songs feel relatable, insightful, and inspiring. Now, with folk punk at what seems to be the peak of a resurgence, some with more mainstream sensibilities might wonder why he wouldn’t “cash in” on a “greatest hits” tour.
But reveling in the past would be antithetical to his art. When he was touring with one project, he refused to play songs from previous ones. That might be frustrating for some fans, but it’s exactly that kind of candor that draws so many people to his music. So, true to form, when he finally did return to releasing music, he did so on his own terms.
Friends In Real Life released their self-titled debut album in 2025, almost 10 years since Pat the Bunny’s retirement announcement. The self-described “janky pop/folk” project consists of Patrick Schneeweis (as he signed his retirement letter “finally, no more bunny”), along with his brother Michael and their father Charlie, who are both musicians in their own right.
Michael gained popularity in the mid-2000s with his solo project, Michael Jordan Touchdown Pass, and now releases and performs music as albums. Charlie is a horn player and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded on various jazz and classical albums and released experimental albums under his own name. Rumor has it that the follow-up to his 2017 album “Love Is Infinite” is set to be released in the near future.
Friends In Real Life - Photo by Goody James
With “Friends In Real Life,” the family band released 10 songs that are nearly impossible to pin down. Although Patrick’s voice and acoustic guitar lay the foundation for most tracks, the album is also adorned with electronic drums, synthesizers, horns, bass, and vocal harmonies. Michael sings on a few songs, and there are also guest vocals by Nina Yagual and Ceschi Ramos. The album’s lyrical themes of growth, reflection, and finding joy in everyday moments mark a stark contrast to some of Patrick’s earlier music. While some may have been hoping for more anarchistic, nihilistic drunken anthems, true fans did what they always have: embraced the change.
The band played two small, regional tours on the East Coast and in the Midwest before releasing their second album, “New Practices,” on August 14, 2026. Lyrically, the songs on this album go a bit deeper into the themes established on the first one.
On “Esperanto,” Patrick asks questions like, “What if we cook food, but they keep making bombs? What if mutual aid is often one-sided? What if these aren't our streets, and we're just saying it? What if dialectics don't break bricks?” He then concludes with, “So if no one speaks Esperanto, well ne grande affero,” which loosely translates to, “It’s no big deal.” This final phrase is in Esperanto, an auxiliary language that was created in the late 1800s in the hopes that it could become a universal common tongue (an anarchist’s dream). Any longtime fan of Patrick’s music can recognize this as only his songwriting, with a fresh touch of sanguinity.
On August 21, just one week after “New Practices” was released, Friends In Real Life played at The Sardine in San Pedro, California. It sounded like everyone in the room knew almost every lyric. Michael played an electric bass and sang, Patrick played an acoustic guitar and sang, and Charlie played trumpet and triggered samples on a Roland SP-404sx. When Charlie wasn’t playing or singing, he had the biggest smile in the room.
Joyful mosh pits broke out to “Electrolyte Love Song” and “Esperanto.” Drum loops boomed on songs like “Johnson Road” and “Sing the News.” Patrick covered Ceschi’s verses on “Make it to Tomorrow” and “Surf Rock Anthem.” Michael and Patrick switched instruments and traded verses on “Advice” and “I Know You.” In this last track, the brothers profess their love for each other and praise each other’s songwriting. It’s a heartfelt song on the album, but live, it’s an absolute tearjerker.
Friends In Real Life - Photo by Goody James
Friends In Real Life played all 20 songs from both albums and ended with “Route Nine Legends.” Michael and Charlie stood by while Patrick sang the first few verses, awaiting the musical climax of the night. The crowd sang along with Patrick, “I don't think it's true that people never really change. Sometimes I wonder if it's all we ever do…”
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