As year-end list season kicks into high gear, as usual we’ve asked some of our favorite artists for lists of their favorite music of the year. Here we have one from Chicago duo Friko, who released their debut album back in February. Their list includes contributions from founding members Niko Kapetan and Bailey Minzenberger, as well as guitarist Korgan Robb and bassist David Fuller, who round out the live band. Their picks include Charli XCX, Finom, English Teacher, Nourished by Time, and more. Check out their list and commentary below.
Friko just released an expanded edition of this year’s excellent debut, Where we’ve been, Where we go from here, which includes a great cover of My Bloody Valentine’s “When You Sleep.” You can listen to that below.
FRIKO – FAVORITE MUSIC OF 2024
BAILEY:
hemlock – Amen!
This EP is beautifully delicate and powerful. You can hear how deeply everyone is listening to each other; gorgeous songs and performances.
Finom – Not God
This record is a poignant dance party. There are many moments to jump around as well as sit back. I first heard ‘Cardinal’ a few years ago at a show and have been waiting since then to hear it in recording. Another great release from Finom 🙂
Minor Moon – Light up Waltz
When this record came out, I listened to it about 8 times in a row. It’s a perfect record for any type of day!
NIKO:
English Teacher – This Could Be Texas
We were lucky enough to meet and become friends with the folks in English Teacher this year. Amazing emotional art rock for the ages.
Charli XCX – Brat
Not a hot take, but we’ve probably listened to Brat in the van more than any other record this year.
Tapir! – Twice Around The Sun
More incredible art rock that tickles the heart strings, seriously so many good records this year.
KORGAN:
Echoes Fear – beauty in the lowlight
Awesome debut record from echoes fear, been looking forward to this for a long time. Sound design + fantastic songs = 👍♥️
DIIV – Frog in Boiling Water
Pushing guitar music further. Love this record.
DAVID:
Daryl Johns – S/T
One of my favorite songs ever is “Corner Store,” an essential part of my life-soundtrack since 2019. 5 years later it pops up on this master-class mega jam. LOVE!
Nourished by Time – Catching Chickens EP
My favorite songs of the year. Leather jacket music, sunglasses on. HIT AFTER HIT!
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Friko close out their 2024 with a hometown show at Thalia Hall on 12/27, and their 2025 tour with Peel Dream Magazine includes a stop at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 7. All dates are below.
FRIKO – 2024/2025 TOUR DATES
Dec 27, 2024 – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL
Feb 25, 2025 – Atomic – St. Louis, MO
Feb 26, 2025 – Zanzabar – Louisville, KY
Feb 27, 2025 – The Basement East – Nashville, TN
Feb 28, 2025 – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA
Mar 1, 2025 – Kings – Raleigh, NC
Mar 3, 2025 – Union Stage – Washington, DC
Mar 4, 2025 – The Foundry – Philadelphia, PA
Mar 7, 2025 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
Mar 8, 2025 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA
Mar 10, 2025 – Bar Le Ritz PDB – Montreal, QC
Mar 11, 2025 – The Great Hall – Toronto, ON
Mar 13, 2025 – The Loving Touch – Ferndale, MI
Mar 14, 2025 – A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH
Mar 15, 2025 – Turntable – Indianapolis, IN
Apr 30, 2025 – Neurolux – Boise, ID
May 2, 2025 – The Pearl – Vancouver, BC
May 3, 2025 – Madame Lou’s – Seattle, WA
May 4, 2025 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
May 7, 2025 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA
May 9, 2025 – Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA
May 10, 2025 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
May 14, 2025 – Swan Dive – Las Vegas, NV
May 18, 2025 – Marquis Theater – Denver, CO
May 20, 2025 – Reverb Lounge – Omaha, NE
May 21, 2025 – xBk Live – Des Moines, IA
May 22, 2025 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN