Friko, the band who emerged from the same Chicago scene as Horsegirl and Lifeguard, have announced their debut album, Where we’ve been, Where we go from here, which will be out February 16 via ATO Records.
“One of the main things we want to do as a band is talk about what’s happening right now and everything we’re feeling, with an honesty and directness that gets through to people,” says singer/guitarist Niko Kapetan. “I hope that our music helps everyone feel more deeply, but in a way that goes beyond just reacting to the songs. I want it to pick people up, so that they can actually go out and do something with whatever they’re feeling.”
The first single from the album is “Crashing Through,” a sweeping and hooky indie rock song with a great sense of dynamics. “Chopin is one of my favorite composers, and the feeling I get from listening to his nocturnes is the same sort of deep, loving sorrow that I get from playing music with Niko,” says Ben Minzenberger. “I wish I could understand why listening to solo piano music and playing really heavy rock songs can create the same very palpable feeling—but at the same time, I don’t want to understand it.” You can watch the video below.
Friko have a few tour dates coming up this fall, including East Coast shows in November, playing NYC’s Mercury Lounge on 11/29 with OK Cowgirl. They’ve also got two Wisconsin shows in December — all dates are listed below.
Where we’ve been, Where we go from here:
1. Where We’ve Been
2. Crimson to Chrome
3. Crashing Through
4. For Ella
5. Chemical
6. Statues
7. Until I’m With You Again
8. Get Numb To It!
9. Cardinal
Friko – 2023 Tour Dates
Mon. Nov. 27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
Wed. Nov. 29 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Thu. Nov. 30 – Washington, DC @ DC9
Sat. Dec. 9 – Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
Sun. Dec. 10 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon