The Chicago-based indie rockers began the set with the stunning atmosphere of their hit Where We’ve Been. Niko Kapetan’s soft voice guided us through the song’s expansive rise and fall. A poignant beginning that brought us all into the music of what would be an explosive set.
Song after song, the band rocked. They had lots of catchy riffs but best were the climactic moments that shook our spines. Like the chorus on Get Numb to It, it hurled us into space with guitars and brought us down with the crashing of drums. The audience loved it, they formed a very healthy mosh pit, heads banging and jumping to every beat.
Kapetan was a captivating frontman. Erratic on stage, lost in what he was singing. His voice, incredibly expressive. The songs overtook him at times, making his voice harsher and more emotive, but he always returned to his smooth, enchanting sound. He could fill the whole room, or he could sing incredibly delicately. Listening to all of this was trance-like.
The set ended in a wholly unexpected way. The screams that erupted as they began covering Joy Division’s Ceremony were wonderous. They aced the cover, Kapetan going absolutely crazy in tribute to Ian Curtis. It was a lovely ending, everyone looked warm and blissful.
Seeing Friko live was an awesome release of emotion and energy. I recommend catching them live and listening to both their albums: Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here and Something Worth Waiting For.
Photo by: SloaneShotIt
Tour poster by: Eli Schmitt
Article by Laurie Green
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