where we've been where we go from here

Friko Share Get Numb to It

February 14, 2024 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

I continue to be impressed with the clever indie rock stylings of Chicago’s Friko; they seem like shapeshifters, as there hasn’t been a single song that’s sounded quite like the one before. So, here we are again, with the band bringing a sound that certainly begins to feel like the best track Arcade Fire never wrote, albeit done with more earnestness and sincerity this go round. Plus, as you hit the 2 minute mark, the song begins to stomp on your soul, punching through with sheer exuberance; it’s insanely swoon-worthy, continuing the group’s consistent push towards Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here…out this Friday!

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Friko Share Where We’ve Been

January 16, 2024 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

I don’t know what to think about Friko, in terms of the classic genre pigeonholing we do on these here blog pages. If you ask me, that sets the band up for something exceptional, especially when you hear their latest track from the forthcoming Where We’ve Been We Go From Here. Initially, you’re greeted by this fragility, this openness that works ornate guitar lines over a rolling hill of drum work; it’s careful in its presentation, allowing you to sink into your chair as the track unfolds. You can hear the song’s tension build beneath Bailey’s drumming, erupting around the 1:40 mark, for just a split second. Having built you up, they settle back into the groove, waiting to hit you with joyous eruption of noise that carries you on its shoulders into the tune’s ending. ATO Records releases the new LP on February 16th.

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Friko Announce Debut Album + Share Single

November 14, 2023 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

Chicago outfit Friko have just signed on to work with ATO Records for their debut LP, and what better way to drop that information than by rocking out with a fresh single? For me, this song succeeds because of the juxtaposed storytelling, one from the musical element and one from the vocals. You press play and a wailing guitar hits you right in the face, something akin to that shoegaze stuff the kids are super into on TikTok. But, as the vocals walk into the frame, they mold the track into something more gentle, careful to step around the cracks of noise so as not to let the song erupt. You can feel the tension working behind the song, even the vocals start to falter. And finally, they can hold back no more, letting go as the visuals match the explosive climax. If you dig, the band will release Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here via ATO Records in February!

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