FRIEDEMANN - Mehr Sein Als Schein (Sealed) (2LP)

With three full studio albums and one live album under his belt Friedemann remains one of the most truly independent figures in the German music underground. Just recently called to be "the German Ian MacKaye" by no less figure than Scott "Wino"Weinrich because of his D.I.Y.-ethics and no-compromise attitude, Friedemann has earned merits for being outspoken and a true honest voice of reason in nowadays chaos and self-centered society. His natural gift for storytelling is revealed in his native language, German, and shines through poetic soulful blues alongside straight and radical statements on this new live album covering a full concert recorded in Berlin in November 2018. The record itself puts a closing bracket around an important part in Friedemanns career: recorded with a full live band whose line up incorporates his brother Johannes and long-time friend Matze who left the band amicably shortly after the tour. This album therefore marks a recording that punters might not be able to witness live again as Friedemann will remain on touring solo or as a two-guitars piece in the future.The live setting itself reveals Friedemanns outspoken nature as well as his approach to doubts and questions being raised by today's culture and society setups. With narrative and radical statements linking the songs he leaves all standards of song announcements we might be used to. The statements in between the songs create another level in approaching his art and are able to move the listener deeply. Sentiments like this one show how much sense live albums can make as they illustrate in almost perfect manner ho much connection an artist can reach with a crowd when leaving the comfort zone of just pleasing an audience. This album is a challenge as much as it is a blissful experience. Enjoy!