Perhaps it’s my age, but I’ve never really got into trap music. It’s a huge and ever-growing genre, yet I’ve mostly missed the boat. Thanks to Friedrich$ and his new album, Demo(n)s, that might be all about to change.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Ernad Ihtijarević

Produced by zephryr., Demo(n)s gives us ten emotional yet world-weary efforts. There’s an earnestness to it all that I found captivating. Friedrich$’s passionate, distorted vocals sing well-read effective lyrics that paint pictures in the mind, whether its travelling through India in Real Bollywood or the more homebound and isolationist Washing Machine.

There really is a visceral poetry to his song writing, Alissa With An I takes no prisoners during its tale of heartbreak. Blood (Or Something Like That) gives us an intimate intensity and a certain Dadaist quality. It’s a highlight.

Other highlights include the smouldering, cynical Best Fwiends, the cantering, nihilistic, reference-filled pop of Joey Ramone, and the cinematic The Newest Year which closes the album in bold, anthemic style.

The music industry is constantly evolving and acts like Friedrich$ very much feel part of its future. There’s a depth to his Demo(n)s that requires a careful listen. Give it a chance and you’ll be rewarded.

Demo(n)s is out now and you can give it a listen below.