Freidrich$ goes all-out with experimenting in "A Heartbreaking Album of Staggering Genius."

Brandishing a rebellious musicality, Freidrich$ catches the eye with an unique persona to the field of indie music— his latest project "A Heartbreaking Album of Staggering Genius" (a mouthful title that makes more sense when explored) has not been conceived for commercial intentions; rather it's all over the place, and in a good way. The intricate unconventionalism is directed towards carving itself a distinctive niche, and it does so in a creative fashion. 

The American alias has opted for a peculiar route for branding: face-painted headshots, anonymity over hyper-marketing, and a near-constant release schedule— methods that ditch the usual industry norms. Freidrich$ discography is brimming with new releases since his debut last year, with a varying signature: under the indie/alternative banner, the singer-songwriter has openly delved into all styles, even broaching into leftfield territories. Technical perfectionism is done away with a personal, feelings-first sound palette varying wildly through the natural course of his albums. Among other genres, RnB and emo music seem to have a crucial influence on the masked artist, widespread through the track listings. Every constituent song strives to be unique on these albums, belying any overarching pattern or narrative.

And so comes into focus "A Heartbreaking Album of Staggering Genius," a conflation of two prior EPs— the first act "Fucked Up" is a confession born out of loneliness and heartbreak, bundled with jarring harmonies and smooth trap drums. The production switches between tonalities, and the vocals talk-rap about insecurities from social betrayals. An example of the LP's attitude of swerving into other genres is shown in the sophomore "Another World," a mellow and straightforward rock number with an angsty rendition. 

More sonic twists unravel thereafter. "I $till Me Gustas" is a Latino-pop song with ambitions to be a big summer ear-candy tune: plucky synths, romantically optimistic vocals, and a buoyant tropical groove thrive here. The adjacent number abruptly transitions to somewhat of a classical sound, featuring a waltzing, bittersweet pianoforte and ruminative lyricism. "holes." puts the artist back in his specialty zone with staccato chords and playful hip-hop groove; nevertheless, feel-good in the way it is delivered. By the time dusk arrives in the album, the crooner trades away sequenced production for folksy, acoustic tunes: prominent ones being "Meat is $till Murder" (raw, guilt-ridden but comforting) and the wanderlust but homesick "Some Travelin' Song." 

Listen to "A Heartbreaking Album of Staggering Genius" and follow Freidrich$ on SoundCloud.