Where we’ve been, Where we go from here, the debut album from indie rock duo, Friko [Niko Kapetan & Bailey Minzenberger] is a subdued declaration of artistic ambition that is reminiscent of ’90s indie rock. But rather than feeling more like a throwback, this feels more like an added testament to the post-punk revival of the 2020s. While impressive in tackling several feats as a debut album, Where we’ve been, Where we go from here, showcases the band’s potential, leaving room for growth in several key areas.
While the album’s opening track, “Where We’ve Been,” sets an invigorating tone with its driving rhythm and impressive production work, subsequent tracks struggle to maintain the same level of momentum. The band’s sound is undeniably energetic, Kapetan and Minzenberger know when to tone it down a few notches from more depressive songs like “Cardinal.”
Lyrically, the album often brings in themes of depression, transition, and even mentions of religion scattered throughout. That being said, there are glimpses of brilliance that hint at Friko’s potential lyrical greatness. Special mentions go to tracks like “Statues,” “For Ella,” and “Until I’m With You Again,” offering heartfelt melodies that evoke genuine emotion. The feelings of being young and in love in the modern age are strong, but that can be said for the album as a whole. Each song on the album is a finely crafted vignette, delving into the complexities of modern relationships or grappling with the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Friko approaches each subject with refreshing honesty and vulnerability.
Tracks like “Crimson to Chrome” and “Crashing Through” showcase the band’s knack for crafting infectious rock riffs and anthemic choruses that reverberate in the mind long after the music has stopped. With their catchy hooks and driving rhythms, these songs are tailor-made for the live stage, begging to be sung along to by crowds.
At the heart of it all is lead vocalist Niko Kapetan’s formidable voice, which effortlessly conveys the emotional weight of the duo’s lyrics. Whether he’s delivering a passionate plea or a whispered confession, the vocals are the perfect complement to the duo’s dynamic instrumentation, allowing each track to elevate in the way it does.
In a musical landscape often dominated by cookie-cutter pop and manufactured personas, Where we’ve been, Where we go from here is an enigma—an album that, while not offering anything daring, challenges the status quo and carves out its own niche. With its infectious energy, thought-provoking lyrics, and undeniable talent, Friko has delivered a debut that is perfect for passive listening.
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