Singles Spotlight:
Friko – “Seven Degrees”

Hello reader,

How are you today?

We’re once again excited to discuss another band that has burst into the music scene guns ablazing, so to speak. Two years ago, Friko’s explosive, excellent debut album titled, Where we’ve been, Where we go from here took the interest of many in music media, garnering acclaim throughout the industry and attracting many fans as Friko toured the globe in support of the album, playing with none other than The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse. The Chicago-based indie rock band now features vocalist/guitarist Niko Kapetan, drummer Bailey Minzenberger, guitarist Korgan Robb, and bassist David Fuller. The latter two musicians joined the band mid-tour. Pay attention to the music scene in Chicago if you haven’t been; there are plenty of talented artists in multiple genres.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to listen to a couple of singles off their highly anticipated sophomore album, Something Worth Waiting For, and you’re going to love it! The album comes out Friday, April 24th, via the great ATO Records label. I believe this new album is better than their debut! And I think many listeners will agree. The band is tight-knit and so talented. There’s a lot to love, from the band’s growing confidence to the more experimental and more expected indie rock, hints of noise rock, and ’70s ballads.

The album was produced by Grammy-award winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, Mannequin Pussy, Mogwai, Angel Olsen) and recorded at his studio in Los Angeles. Via the album’s press release, Minzenberger compares the band’s approach to recording each album, noting, “On our first record, we were much more involved in the technical aspect of everything, but this time John made it clear that he wanted us to just come in and do our thing. I think that allowed us to let go in a way that we never had before, and because of that, we captured something very raw.” I think letting go more shows through as 

Kapetan and Minzenberger wax poetic about the album via its press release, noting, “‘If the general theme of the record is transit, then the title gets at the idea of always moving toward something you never quite seem to reach,’” says Kapetan. “‘That might sound pessimistic, but maybe the reaching isn’t necessarily the point,'” Minzenberger adds. “‘I think life is meant to bring new experiences so that your world is ever-expanding, and not about constantly striving to achieve one particular thing.'”

That being said, Minzenberger leaves us with this, “There’s been so much change and growth since the first record, which I think will continue as we move forward. There’s usually a lot of fear or discomfort when you’re trying something different, but we’re just going to keep being as genuine as possible and keep creating whatever feels true to us.” 

Let’s explore the Something Worth Waiting For album by spotlighting one song from it. There’s plenty to choose from on an album with a handful of catchy earworms. Though “Choo Choo” is a banger and worthy of your time, my favorite song on this album right now is “Seven Degrees”. The song seems like a great introduction to Friko. I think you’ll hear this without closing your eyes, but if you do close your eyes while listening, are you transported to ’60s or ’70s pop songs with Kapetan’s vocals, tone, and the overall song melody? I find it hard not to feel those vibes and not be transported back to that era. The choruses are tight and drive the lyrics home in a true earworm moment. What’s not to love about today’s Singles Spotlight? Song of the spring? Should be a contender, as it will definitely get airplay on indie stations. Listen for yourself and spread the word if you dig it.

Bonus points for a Water Tower. The RC car heavy and Midwest vibes video for the excellent song, “Seven Degrees” from Friko’s YouTube channel:

(All credits and rights to Friko)

The cover art for Something Worth Waiting For:

The track list for Something Worth Waiting For:

1. Guess
2. Still Around
3. Choo Choo
4. Alice
5. Certainty
6. Hot Air Balloon
7. Seven Degrees
8. Something Worth Waiting For
9. Dear Bicycle

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com