CHICAGO | On Friday, March 1 in a sold-out Metro show Chicago-based rock duo Friko celebrated their monumental album release supported by Smut and Neptune’s Core. Friko — composed of Niko Kapetan and Bailey Minzenberger — has been prolific in the Chicago music scene for many years with their enchanting live performances and eclectic EP releases leading up to their studio debut. Released on February 16, Where We’ve Been Where We Go From Here, is a stunning and anthemic realization of the band’s clear potential. Picking up international attention from fans, publications and music forums, Friko’s debut is much bigger than anything we have seen out of the city in quite some time; helping to define a generation of indie-rock music. Nothing illustrated the tremendous impact of the record, quite like their Metro release show, an almost-spiritual experience, that mesmerized the sold-out crowd.
Setting the stage was Chicago four-piece Neptune’s Core, who I got to write about last November during their performance at Thalia Hall with Sen Morimoto. Neptune’s Core consists of two groups of sisters Sophie (guitar/vocals) and Hannah Richter (bass) along with Jackie (guitar/vocals) and Kaitlin (drums) Cynewski. I remember being stunned by the band’s talent and unique sound, channeling elements of traditional rock music with layered harmonies, complex vocal runs and textured instrumentals. It was great reuniting with Neptune’s Core at the Metro, as they were the perfect act to open for such a special show – playing a variety of released music and new material, progressively immersing the audience more and more with each song.
A standout moment had the four-piece previewing a new track in its early stages with a beautiful vocal arrangement from Jackie, Sophie and Hannah, reverberating through the venue in a lush beam of pleasant frequencies. While I instantly connected with this band’s music when I first saw them at Thalia Hall, standing in front of Kaitlin Cynewski on the right side barricade gave me a specific appreciation for their rhythm section. Throughout the performance, she delivered incredibly creative and refined patterns elegantly lifting the music on each song. I can’t wait to see what Neptune’s Core has in store for the future.
I was lucky enough to connect with Jackie, Sophie and Hannah to ask them a couple of questions about their band and playing the Friko release show. It was an entertaining interview and I wish I could’ve included more of it.
Aden Van Hollander: What’s the genesis of Neptune’s Core, I know you have music going back to 2021, but when did y’all actually start writing songs together?
Sophie Richter: It started actually in middle school…then it really took a turn when we played with Dehd, that was the pivotal point in our music career where we realized woah this is getting serious, we want to be playing gigs all over and making it something bigger.
Hannah: I think that was a big point for a switch in our sound as well. It felt like especially in that moment we were more open to experimentation, we were more excited to try new things. That moment being on stage and playing a bunch of new songs that were way different from our other stuff felt really fulfilling and made us want to try new things more.
AVH: You’ve already played a ton of special bills alongside amazing acts, what was it like supporting Friko for their Metro album-releasing show with a completely sold-out audience?
Jackie: That was a super special night because we’ve known Friko and we played with them 4 or 5 years ago at Martyrs, it was just special playing that album release show knowing it was such a big moment for them. Even just like seeing them run around to all their interviews and doing their singing at Reckless, it was super cool, they’re the best.
Sophie: I feel like the energy was very contagious, they just were so excited to be there performing their album for their release show, we were just so excited for them. I remember Jackie and I were sitting in the Greenroom after we played and before Friko was going on, and we got to be there for their team huddle, and it was very heartwarming, it was like this is what we want to be someday, playing our album release show at a beautiful venue like Metro with all our amazing friends around us. They are such a perfect example of what being a musician should feel like. They really represent how healthy it can be and how it’s good to put your emotions out there and always be supported in doing so.
Hannah: They did a great job of uplifting everyone. There was so much positive energy that it was impossible to even feel bad. I went home and I was like smiling from ear-to-ear, like oh my god that was the most perfect moment ever.
AVH: I saw on your Instagram that you are dropping new music! Is there anything else new with Neptune’s Core?
Sophie: We are heading to SXSW then we are on an East Coast Tour! We have a stacked March and we are so excited.
Thanks so much to Jackie, Sophie and Hannah for speaking with me! Check out Neptune’s Core and their new single “Box / Anyway” that was released on March 8.
Following Neptune’s Core was Chicago-based band Smut, who provided a compelling performance and danceable atmosphere. Featuring heavier arrangements inspired by many corners of music, Smut made me a fan with their solid outing at the Metro, having never heard them before. The dynamic vocals of Tay Roebuck controlled the feel of each song, with her screams, spoken word, and singing — I particularly enjoyed the tracks with the spoken word, as they had a unique Life Without Buildings feel. I have since checked out Smut’s recorded music and online performances and am excited to hear more from them in the future.
Friko poured out onto the Metro stage with cataclysmic power. You could feel the already-packed crowd squeeze even tighter as they played the first chords of their vibrant single “Crimson to Chrome.” So much was released from the audience who sang along to almost every word. Friko delivered a masterclass of manipulating tension, splicing in serene string-arranged tracks with their heavy-hitting rock music. After having Niko and Bailey in the Radio DePaul studio for an acoustic set, it was fantastic to hear these songs with full live arrangements.
Being in the audience for Friko’s release show was an extremely memorable experience since it was clear to everyone in the building that their songs carry immense weight. This sentiment was reflected by the sheer intensity of the audience who jumped and spun in one of the more sweaty mosh-pits I have been a part of — however, despite the frenzied crowd, there was a clear level of respect given to Friko and their music during the performance.
It is safe to say that this past month has been the busiest Friko has ever been, making dozens of media appearances, signing records, playing sets and getting interviewed, after releasing their debut album. From briefly speaking with Niko before the show, you could see the tangible blend of fatigue and appreciation. Friko more than rose to the occasion at the Metro, playing an almost-hour-long set without missing a beat. Bailey’s fierce drum rhythms and textured vocal harmonies perfectly complement Niko’s expressive melodies and bold instrumentation, while new addition David Fuller on bass provided a level of completion to the duo and had great chemistry with the band.
Friko ended their performance by showing gratitude to all the people who helped get them to where they are, bringing out their friends and collaborators to celebrate with them as they played their iconic opener “Where We’ve Been.” Encoring with a stunning rendition of Radiohead favorite “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” — cause why not — Friko brought down the house in a major homecoming for Chicago music. As the iconic drum pattern and guitar slide began you could feel the entire crowd lose their collective mind. In one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen at the Metro, Friko more than delivered, now it’s about seeing and hearing where they go from here.