Friedberg, the London-based four-piece known for beautifully blending post punk guitars with synth-pop dreaminess, performed at Thalia Hall in Chicago on April 21 as part of their tour supporting German indie rockers Giant Rooks. Though the band – comprised of Anna Friedberg (vocals, guitar, percussion), Emily Linden (guitar), Cheryl Pinero (bass), and Daniel Brandt filling in for Laura Williams (drums) – weren’t the headliners, the crowd got swept away in the excitement of their sound.
After stepping on stage to rumbling bass tones that prepared the crowd for the visceral experience that was about to be unleashed, Friedberg kicked-off their set with their latest single “My Best Friend,” the video for which dropped earlier this month. Anna entranced with her glassy vocals while peppering the song with the perfect seasoning of cowbell. Pinero’s bass came in strong on “Hardcore Workout Queen” while Linden stepped off the stage and onto the floor monitor to shred in the faces of fans during a cover of Grauzone’s “Eisbär.”
This performance marked the second time Friedberg performed in Chicago, as they previously opened up for Hot Chip at Radius back in 2022. Last time around, they spent the bulk of their time highlighting tracks from the 2021 EP Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah – the EP’s “Midi 8” also served as an energetic closer that left fans wanting more last night – and currently, Friedberg is preparing to release their debut full-length album later this year.
The new album’s lead single “Hello,” which Anna has described in statements as being about imagining “spending the night in a stranger’s mind and thinking all of these things that I never thought… Saying all of these things that I never said. And [getting] a holiday from my own mind,” was a percussive whirlwind. As Linden traded the guitar for drumsticks – adding additional rhythms over at Brandt’s kit – Anna returned to the cowbell creating layers of sonic patterns that demanded for everyone to dance. “The Greatest” also caused a huge response from the crowd especially when Anna and Pinero came together for a brief jam.
After last night’s show, Friedberg has proven that their unique brand of danceable rock creates new fans every time they take the stage. Next time they return to Chicago, they should be headlining.
Check out photos from Friedberg’s set at Thalia Hall on April 21 below and click here to pick-up tickets to see them support Giant Rooks on future tour dates. More information can be found at Friedbergmusic.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
