Friko's New Album 'Something Worth Waiting For' Sets Stage for 2026 Breakout
Chicago band Friko is poised for a meteoric rise in 2026, mirroring the trajectory of Geese in 2025, with their new album 'Something Worth Waiting For.' The follow-up to their 2024 debut 'Where We've Been, Where We Go from Here'—which earned them an NME cover story as a duo—now features guitarist Morgan Robb and bassist David Fuller in a standard band formation. Produced by John Congleton, the album showcases nervous energy, irresistible melodies, orchestral grandeur, outbursts of anger, and raw vulnerability. Singer and guitarist Niko Kapetan's tremulous high voice draws comparisons to Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst, positioning Kapetan as a potential 'spokesman of a generation.' The band's sound appeals to young indie fans as a fusion of Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes.
Key facts
- Friko's new album 'Something Worth Waiting For' is produced by John Congleton.
- The band now includes guitarist Morgan Robb and bassist David Fuller.
- Their 2024 debut 'Where We've Been, Where We Go from Here' earned an NME cover story.
- Friko is from Chicago.
- Singer Niko Kapetan and drummer Bailey Minzenberger were the original duo.
- The album is expected to propel Friko to a breakthrough in 2026 similar to Geese in 2025.
- Kapetan's voice is compared to Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst.
- The band's style blends Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes influences.
Entities
Artists
- Niko Kapetan
- Bailey Minzenberger
- Morgan Robb
- David Fuller
- John Congleton
- Conor Oberst
Institutions
- NME
Locations
- Chicago