“In the Present of the Past“ is the title of the new album by Friedemann.
This is Friedemann's fourth studio album.
Friedemann, in case you are not familiar, is the singer of the trash rock band COR. He runs a small agricultural business on Rügen, is tattooed, and has his own very listenable podcast titled “What We Dream Of“.
In 2014, Friedemann released his first album “Uhr vs. Zeit“. The review of the album can be read here: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/6622/
The feedback on the album was enormous, and the concerts he played, often accompanied by other musicians at the time, were well attended. He naturally encountered an audience that consisted of the left spectrum, but they were not only fans of COR, but also people who were curious and interested in what this tattooed, quirky man was creating musically. Music that was enjoyable. Thus, Friedemann gathered more and more people around him. People who listened to his music, his thoughts, and his small and large stories.
Friedemann speaks to many people with his music. It is music that is very personal, quiet, and has a profound effect on the listeners.
On “In the Present of the Past“, a noticeable and audible development is present, which is a logical step considering the previous albums, though perhaps not expected in this form. Friedemann's guitar playing is now, of course, much better than it was in 2014. He has more courage to sing and play alone. This is palpable on this album. Although he presents all the songs entirely on his own, the album is more varied than the previous ones. This is due to Friedemann working more intensely with his voice. Quiet, angry, screaming, dreamily singing to himself, sad, resigned, then again powerful and encouraging, he accomplishes all this almost effortlessly. As a result, this album feels very powerful, very intense. 'Intense' is a word often used when describing Friedemann. Anyone who has ever seen him on stage, whether with COR or solo, knows he is incredibly present. Just like on this album.
Overall, the album gives me a longing, sometimes even sad impression. Is it just my perception, or does he project his emotional state into the songs?
The first track “The Gathering of Light“ makes it very clear which direction the album is heading. Even in this piece, it shows how much Friedemann dares with his voice, guitar, and effects. A powerful, longing piece. A voice that almost compels one to truly listen while hearing. The song envelops you. It is one of several pieces on the album that I would categorize as “Longingly Dark“. Alongside this song are “Sun Seekers“, “No Man is an Island“, and especially the last piece of the album “Lonely“.
Besides these songs, the man from Rügen also offers encouragement. More than encouragement, he gives strength. There are two pieces on the album, “Where We Arrive“ and “Stay True to Cheerfulness“, that speak from my heart. Please do not become bitter! Bitterness is something I consider the worst. Bitter people are not pleasant companions. That is something I absolutely want to avoid, becoming bitter. Many things can come that are called life. Cheerfulness is balm for the soul.
As strong and intense as Friedemann sings about emotional states, there is also one song that stands out from the entire album. It is “G-Land“. A highly political, aptly worded, and clear song in its statements. Listening to it, I can’t help but think of Hannes Wader or Hans Söllner.
The artwork, as with the last albums, is very high quality and appealing. It shows that music is so much more than just a file. A physical purchase of the album is highly recommended! It is also a form of recognition, almost a kind of applause.
The album “In the Present of the Past“ is very multifaceted, very powerful.
It is 100% Friedemann!
It may be the best album he has released so far.
