Friko Shares New Open Tab Single, "Crimson to Chrome" Today

Friko, one of the most exciting acts to recently emerge from the Chicago music scene, present a new single/video, “Crimson To Chrome,” via Fire Talk’s imprint Open Tab. Led by Niko Kapetan alongside drummer Bailey Minzenberger and bassist Luke Stamos, Friko “thread together heart-on-sleeve folk, tense, smoldering post punk, and soaring, melodramatic chamber pop rooted in 2000s indie” (Chicago Reader). Today’s “Crimson To Chrome” is an anthemic offering, Kapetan’s vocals incendiary like a live wire: “I’m sitting here writing the same sad song // With the cogs on fire // Spinning on and on // Till I’m old and tired // Even then I’m on fire // We’re either too old, too bold or stupid to move I guess we’re // Caught on the wrong side of the shoe again.” The accompanying video, directed by Friko, Alice Avery, and Alejandro Quiles, collages together charming clips offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the band's first headline tour.

The band elaborates: “‘Crimson To Chrome’ is one of those songs that feel like they’re at the heart of who we are as a band and the kind of music we try to make. We’re so grateful we could make a video with friends to reflect that and that everyone involved in making this song and video were just extensions of the Friko family."

Watch Friko’s Video for “Crimson To Chrome”

Fire Talk’s Open Tab is a discovery tool for listeners worldwide, simultaneously giving a platform to artists whose work Fire Talk is enthusiastic about. Each month, they release one previously unreleased track from an artist, in conjunction with a short Q&A profile and mix created by the artist. Check out Friko’s here.

Friko’s self-released debut EP, Whenever Forever, earned collective support amongst the local music community, bolstered by their peers Horsegirl, Lifeguard, Free Range, and more. The trio’s music is complex and dynamic, flickering between explosive rock, chamber pop, and serene sonics. It becomes even more pronounced in their live performances, where a crowd frenzied by wailing guitars finds itself minutes later collectively holding its breath, enamored by hypnotic strings and Kapetan’s emotive vocals.

The band will make their SXSW debut later this week, and then bring their cathartic live show north and west to cities not yet played in North America, including Vancouver, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and beyond. A full list of dates can be found below and tickets for all shows are available now.

Listen to the single HERE.

Listen to Friko's New Single, Q&A & Artist Mix

Friko Tour Dates

• Mon. March 13 - Kansas City, MO @ recordBar
• Wed. March 15 - Austin, TX @ the Mohawk (Sentric - Rough Trade Showcase SXSW)
• Thu. March 16 - Austin, TX @ Las Perlas (Gorilla vs. Bear x Luminelle Showcase SXSW)
• Thu. March 16 - Austin, TX @ South Austin Beer Garden (The Sun Radio Sessions SXSW)
• Fri. March 17 - Austin, TX @ Swan Dive (Fire Talk Showcase SXSW)
• Sat. March 18 - Austin, TX @ Tweedy’s Bar (New Now at SXSW)
• Tue. March 21 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen #
• Wed. March 22 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre #
• Fri. March 24 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Commonwealth Room #
• Sat. March 25 - Boise, ID @ Treefort Festival
• Tue. March 28 - Spokane, WA @ Lucky You Lounge *
• Wed. March 29 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret *
• Thu. March 30 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza *
• Fri. March 31 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios *
• Sun. April 2 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord *
• Tue. April 4 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *
• Thu. April 6 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
• Sat. April 8 - Iowa City, IA @ Mission Creek Festival - Trumpet Blossom Cafe

= co-headline w/ Free Range

#= w/ Rayland & Liz Cooper

*w/ Bendigo Fletcher