Unleashing an emotively captivating blend of infectious trap and atmospheric pop, Demo(n)s is a memorable new album from Freidrich$. Also featuring the sharp production of Zephyr, Demo(n)s succeeds with a sound that immerses across both serenely hooky yearning like “Real Bollywood” to livelier rhythmic entrancement within efforts like “Joey Ramone.”
Opening the album, “Real Bollywood” stirs with a lushly atmospheric sense of yearning. “But who am I, a child of the sun or a child of Saturn?” a vocal introspection exudes, as trickling instrumentation crafts a serene enticement. “You look nice, wanna come over? We can fuck all night,” they continue, balancing dreamy romanticism with more lustful sentiments. Demo(n)s consistently impresses with from-the-heart songwriting, and “Real Bollywood” quickly showcases as such. Up next, “Alissa With An I” consumes with similarly passionate allure. “You led me on, I’ll never get over it,” conveys palpable anguish, then traversing into bittersweet reminiscing of a first meeting as hazy synth pads linger underneath.
Tender guitar stylings captivate on the ensuing “Blood (Or Something Like That),” building thereafter into twinkling keys amidst the melodic vocal layers. “I will die in your arms, just to hear your heartbeat,” the vocals initially strut an affecting adoration. Relatable frustration moves inward as the rhythms become more prominent, striving for more communication — “if you love me, why don’t you tell me you’re mine?” with star-gazing contemplation. The perspectives on in-between relationships and superficiality are resonating. “Cold World” compels with comparable thematic aims — remarking on “memories of you,” and clinging onto such, within a grippingly nocturnal production with caressing vocal layers and moody guitar/keys interplay.
Enamoring with more peppy immediacy, “Joey Ramone” unveils a more pop/rock passion as vocals aspire to be “your man like Joey Ramone.” Bouncy percussion and murky guitars complement a dreamier vocal presence — tempting that “we can listen to Sleater-Kinney in the dark,” — as the more energized central hook takes hold. Demo(n)s largely embraces the dreamier tonal spectrums, though certainly succeeds as well with punchier charisma on efforts like “Joey Ramone” and “highschool,” a Guccihighwaters cover that excels with its illuminated keys and precise hip-hop vocal flow. Closing the album, “The Newest Year” asks “are you the one from my dreams?” as elegant piano and spacey synths intertwine. An emotive, enthralling finale that expands into a second half with effervescent keys and buzzing warmness, “The Newest Year” is a satiating send-off to this thoroughly successful album from Freidrich$.
The album is streaming for free on Soundcloud:
