Painted Friends boldly embarks on a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Along the way, the Detroit indie-rock duo of Jeremiah McWhorter (vocals, guitar, bass) and Mitch Crosby (drums) finds peace and forgiveness on “Better Bones,” the honest opener from their latest album, Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi).

“This song has been on my mind for a very long time—longer than any others I’ve written,” McWhorter said. “I have changed the lyrics a few times throughout the whole process, but the message of it has pretty much stayed the same. It’s the same message that is expressed throughout all of Gomnia—the idea to love our enemies or Sermon-on-the-Mount-type-stuff.”

Surrounded by hopeful synth, pounding drums, and thoughtful electric guitar, McWhorter sings, “I heard a pretty word / And fell to my knees / I took time to pray for a way / To have a better life / And now I’ve no one to hate / No reason to shake / The truth is the light / That gives me a better life.”

“Love—by definition—must be freely given; it’s a choice,” McWhorter said. “I’m not referring to romantic feelings. I’m talking about choosing not to attack someone you disagree with out of love for them and their humanity.”

That plea for love, humanity, and truth flows throughout the 10 tracks on Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi). Painted Friends deeply examines those notions through philosophical lyrics and emotive indie-pop and pop-rock instrumentation.

To learn more, I spoke to McWhorter about the Gomnia album series, select tracks, a recent album release show, and plans for releasing new material.

Q: How does it feel to share the next volume in your Gomnia album series, especially after spending two years putting it together? How does it expand upon the themes of faith, fear, addiction, inspiration, and imagination that were introduced in Gomnia: Volume 1 (Insula & Hyber)?

A: Releasing Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi) feels awesome. It’s the first one where Mitch and I were both involved in the production, so it feels like a first for us even though it’s our third full-length release. Lyrically, it wasn’t thought out in the same way Gomnia: Volume 1 (Insula & Hyber) is. I intentionally tried writing in a way that is more straightforward, but not with simple one-liners. I wanted to tell a story that people could follow.

Q: Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi) addresses the internal and external struggles of disappointment, fear, doubt, and uncertainty and searches for the promise of love, hope, connection, and truth in a new world. How were writing these 10 tracks cathartic for you? How do you hope they bring listeners a sense of peace and renewal, especially in today’s turbulent political and social climate?

A: We are hoping to put the message across that there is still time to turn things around, but to expect it to not be that much. Time is a gift that will eventually be used up, so forgiving our enemies and choosing to love instead is becoming even more critical.

Q: “My Heart, Your Love” searches for solace in others when the outside world becomes too much to face and handle. How did you reflect that feeling sonically on the track? What was it like to work with Mitch Crosby on it?

A: Writing this track was a monumental experience for Mitch and me. For the first time, he helped with the production and told me what to play on the guitar for the solo. He also added to that solo, to begin with, and chose to fade the song out. His creative genius is on full display in this song.

Q: The title track explores the promise of a new world and the hope it brings. How did writing this track help you feel reborn spiritually? How do you hope it helps listeners focus on the bigger picture in life and feel optimistic about the road ahead?

A: The song “Indimindi” is something that has also been in the works for a while. It’s a song that reflects an imaginary moment of dying and what happens after [that]. The lyrics are from the perspective of God and what he might say to us when we die: “Did you think in terms of infinity? Did you ever think of me? Did you ever love your enemies?” The goal is to get people to think more seriously about it all—not to abide by quick conclusions.

Q: “The 25-Year Door” raises concerns about the uncertainty of the future and longs for a personal connection to make the present more meaningful. What’s significant to you about turning 25 and anticipating the next chapter in your life?

A: “The 25-Year Door” is a short and sweet poem about turning 25 and having no idea what is going on or what to do about anything ever. I wrote it last year at some point when I was thinking about what to do with my life as a 25-year-old adult.

Q: What was the recording process like for the 10 tracks on Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi)? Who did you collaborate with on the recording? How did you shape its overall sound?

A: Recording was mostly done at my house in the basement. The drums were recorded at JK (Not Kidding Studios) in Shelby Township. My sister-in-law Jennah does the background vocals on “Indimindi,” and my friend Nick plays piano on it as well. “Right of Way” was written by me and my father-in-law Dave; he did most of the lyrics and I wrote most of the music. It was written to be a father-daughter dance song at my wedding this past June.

Q: How did your April 12 album release show at Detroit’s Lager House with Melanie Pierce and The Darling Suns go?

A: We ended up playing most of the new album and one song from Gomnia: Volume 1 (Insula & Hyber). Melanie Pierce opened the show and was incredible. We played second and had a blast, and then The Darling Suns headlined the show in such an awesome display of musical talent. Their whole band sounded great sonically, and I can see the passion they have for what they’re doing.

Q: In a previous interview, you mentioned releasing the full Gomnia discography with some special versions of the songs later this year. Is that still part of your plan? What can people expect from those special versions of the songs?

A: Yes, we will be releasing a Gomnia deluxe thing either this year or next. We want to do a massive 25 to 30-song [release] with all the originals and a bunch of new versions of songs. Our progress on that is pretty good, so hopefully, it will work out.