motel void

We’ve already covered Freidrich$ with his album Demo(n)s, and now he follows it up with another bold, restless, and experimental release titled Don’t Be Falling In Love.

The album opens with a striking rework of the classic Wicked Gamez. It begins gently with acoustic textures before erupting halfway through into an epic electronic frenzy, with Freidrich$ declaring he “wants to fall in love with anyone.”

Next comes Should Have, which kicks off with a disturbing, detuned vocal and instrumental passage that recalls Jeff Buckley’s Lover, You Should’ve Come Over – a reference Freidrich$ makes alongside nods to Elliott Smith. The rawness of the vocal delivery might not be for everyone, but the chaotic outro, skirting the edges of UK Garage, is electrifying.

Heartbeat, Please is more conventional, driven by a beat that leans toward the dancefloor. It evokes flashes of Daft Punk, though its simple rhythm also nods toward pop-punk rather than Neutral Milk Hotel, despite the lyrical reference. Again, the outro spirals into a frenzied, almost metal-like intensity, and these sudden shifts remain one of the album’s greatest strengths.

That’s It strips things back into a more ambient mood. Around the one-minute mark, a melodic line feels instantly familiar – something I’ve heard countless times, though I still can’t quite place the reference. It’s in this laid-back, Mac Miller-esque zone that I enjoy Freidrich$ the most, when he lets atmosphere carry the weight.

Promises, Revisited revisits the hit Heartbeat by The Knife. I’ve always loved both the original and José González’s acoustic interpretation, and Freidrich$ leans into the synth-pop dramatics, pushing it toward an epic climax that’s both playful and effective.

That’s Ok begins in Elliott Smith territory (Angeles in particular, I think), with an acoustic guitar and fragile, unsettling vocal. Then it explodes into a wild, chaotic second half that proves strangely infectious. Business feels more upbeat, dancey, and again channeling Daft Punk vibes. But High School lands as one of the record’s strongest moments. Melancholic yet melodic, introspective yet danceable, it channels the emo spirit of Lil Peep while showcasing how naturally Freidrich$’s voice fits this mood.

The closer We Rule Da School is built around piano and has a Daniel Johnston-like looseness. With its Lou Reed-ish off-kilter vocal delivery, it creates a unique atmosphere, though it’s not a track that will appeal to everyone.

In the end, Don’t Be Falling In Love is an album of extremes – equal parts playful and unsettling, chaotic and intimate. Freidrich$ thrives in constant motion, shifting between acoustic confessionals, electronic outbursts, and experimental detours. It’s not a record for everyone, but for those willing to follow his restless energy, it’s a fascinating and rewarding ride.

This release was discovered via SubmitHub

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