Everything in life is a work in progress. Sometimes you are headed in one direction, but then seemingly out of nowhere, go the opposite way. Such is the case with Anna Friedberg; an Austrian singer-songwriter making her way in music for the better part of fifteen years.
An interesting story, Anna Wappel, previously known simply as Anna F., released her first single “Time Stands Still” in 2009 right before she was scheduled to open one show for Lenny Kravitz. Then to her surprise, Kravitz asked her to support the remainder of his European Tour. Exciting and unexpected, from there she won an award in the “Pop” category at the Amadeus Austrian Music Awards in September of 2009. Going on to put out the debut album For Real in 2010 (one which reached number 3 on the Austrian music charts and attained golden certification), 2014’s King in the Mirror was met with more success as she opened act for James Blunt across several countries.
Still seeking something more, out of nowhere in 2019 she found inspiration with a group of (Guitarist/Vocalist Emily Linden, Bassist/Vocalist Cheryl Pinero, and Drummer Fifi Dewey) musicians. Seeming like a twist of fate, Anna plugged into a new adventure, joining forces with them to form the all-girl band Friedberg. Simply ecstatic to be a part of a real band where everyone was working toward the same goal, the energy was palpable, and you can hear that in the 2019 debut single “Boom.” A song that showcases an Alternative Rock sound with haunting vocal harmonies, this only creates anticipation for what may come next. Developing further with the 5-track 2021 EP Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah, now in 2024 the big payoff is upon us with the release of Hardcore Workout Queen.
Friedberg’s debut full-length album, Hardcore Workout Queen arrives on November 8th via Clouds Hill. A culmination of all the ladies involved building a musical rapport between them, it is clear they have struck a delicate balance between dreamy textures, Pop, and Alternative Rock. Led by Friedberg’s soft, inviting voice, the tempo of each track is unique to the other… and this makes for an interesting listen. Too many times contemporary Alternative music finds one style and sticks with it for an entire collection of songs. This is not the case with Hardcore Workout Queen, because Friedberg goes from soft and whispery to upbeat and offbeat in the blink of an eye.
A total of ten songs altogether, there are plenty of Shoegaze-like vibes heard with songs like “100 Times,” “I Sometimes Do (But Mostly Might),” and” Pull Me Off The Passing Line.” However, there are also heavily danceable Synthpop tracks like the singles “The Greatest” and “Hardcore Workout Queen,” but also the catchy “So Dope.” Then you have a very Punk Rock ecstatic on the single “My Best Friend,” followed by the irresistible “Hello.”
So, if you are not very familiar with Friedberg, yet enjoy Alternative music saturated in memorable vocal hooks married to jangling melodies, be prepared for something good. A band that fans of The Cure, Metric, Slowdive, Garbage, or Silversun Pickups will enjoy, it is highly recommended to check out Friedberg because Cryptic Rock gives Hardcore Workout Queen 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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