This is the fourth EP from Columbus, Ohio horrorcore duo Klokwerk E. Formed by Billy D and Kyle Kombs, they introduced themselves a few years ago with debut EP Will Boof 4 Rent and later full-length debut The Emerald Tablets. The guys, who also formed supergroup Mighty Morphin’ Wackness with Super Famous Fun Time Guys 14 months ago, released Santa Claus Fukked My Dog this summer alongside critically acclaimed sophomore effort Anubis and their previous EP Bukkake Mukbang Extravaganza. However, in preparation for Halloween weekend, Rent a Friend has slowly proven itself to be their most interesting expansion to date.
Only the Kyle Kombs-produced title track is appropriate enough to set the tone for talking about making new best friends and seeming to be “having some fun” after a long day listening to trap instrumentals. “Bad Influence” humorously asks if you would die for them, but after “What’s Your Name?” The synth-funk-inspired sketch “Johnny Bravo” references the classic series of the same name from Discovery Global’s Cartoon Network.
The skit after “Do You Remember?”, the penultimate song “Homeboys” officially concludes with “Rent a Friend”, a chill ballad dedicated to chilling out with good friends, while “Together” is one of the greatest Klokwerk E songs on the EP, heartwarmingly telling every listener that they are never alone and that hopefully some of us live more and find love, which can help people get through whatever difficulties they face.
Klokwerk E’s third project from 2025 feels like a forgotten VHS tape from another era, offering a one-on-one friendship experience you’ll never forget, rivaling Anubis for some of the Silver Boof Brothers’ greatest material and embodying their underground popularity. Kyle Kombs’ production continues to evolve, as he and Billy conceptually engage in a late-night conversation filled with joy, melancholy, and sadness.
Score: 8/10
