The Friedrichs

Formed in Medway in 2024, The Friedrichs emerged from the same DIY spirit that shaped the area’s underground scene, a legacy closely tied to figures like Billy Childish. They are part of a new wave keeping garage rock loud, unpolished, and honest. Drawing from 1960s British and American influences, from The Yardbirds and Small Faces to The Who, their sound is equally shaped by American garage bands like The Chocolate Watchband, The Seeds, and The Sonics, alongside Britpop and The Libertines. Lyrically, The Friedrichs move between the personal and the historical. Their songs explore recurring themes of love, heartbreak, death, war, and the lives of famous or controversial figures, often blurring the line between fact and fantasy. They transform overlooked streets and local landmarks into places of romance and myth. The band’s outlook is distinctly European in character. Reflected in their German name and shaped by an affection for French cinema, Italian style, and British working-class storytelling, The Friedrichs inhabit a world where continental romanticism collides with Medway grit. Before forming The Friedrichs, Alfie Harding and Joe Caleno played in County Lines, while Gianni played with Soft. Coming together in 2024, they sought to revive a sound that shaped generations before them. Active across the Medway and London live circuit, they have appeared at venues including the O2 Academy Islington, the Nags Head in Rochester, and The Marquis in Covent Garden.