George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
Chicago band Friko release cover of Radiohead’s ‘Weird Fishes’ alongside announcement of a UK/EU tour
Following on from the release of their excellent debut album ‘Where we’ve been, Where we go from here’ earlier this year, Chicago indie band Friko have now released a cover of Radiohead‘s 2007 track ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’. Alongside this release, the duo have announced a UK/EU tour later this year.
It’s a bold move covering one of the most beloved tracks from one of the most beloved bands of the last few decades, even more so when you consider that others have attempted to do this very thing before. With Kelly Lee Owens’ version stripping back the track, leaving only eerie electronic remains, to the soulful and jazzy cover from Lianne La Havas, there are plenty of versions of ‘Weird Fishes’ already in circulation.
Luckily, Friko’s cover is anything but redundant. It begins familiarly, with the instantly recognisable drumbeat and iconic guitar line. Soon, strings subtly slide into the mix before Niko Kapetan instantly proves he is capable of carrying Yorke’s beautiful hushed vocals. As the track develops, their vocals are some of the best of Friko‘s discography so far.
Friko’s handling of the build up is masterful, subtly layering instruments atop of one another, adding their own spin but never straying too far away from the original. However, with this being said, the final section is where Friko really come into their own. Just as another band might fizzle out with the outro, Friko instead choose to make this the emotional climax, bringing in layers of distortion and growing heavier and heavier; the guitar and bass sound monstrous in the last few moments.
Listen to ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’ here:
Catch Friko at the following:
Bitterzoet, Amsterdam – 2nd November
Les Nuits Weekender, Brussels – 3rd November
L’Antipode, Rennes – 5th November
Pitchfork Avant Garde, Paris – 7th November
Pitchfork Festival London, 9th November
Louisiana, Bristol – 10th November
YES, Manchester – 12th November
King Tuts, Glasgow – 13th November
Workman’s Club, Dublin – 14th November
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