At Stereogum, we already hold Friko in high regard. Today, they’ve given us another reason to adore them with their new track “Necessary.” Earlier this year they dropped the standout LP Something Worth Waiting For, which landed near the top of our list of the year’s best albums so far. Now the band is offering another glimpse into that record’s world with news of an expanded edition set to arrive on September 11 via ATO Records.
“Necessary” isn’t entirely fresh material. It originally appeared as a B-side/bonus track on the Japanese edition of Something Worth Waiting For, and the group has performed it live, including a notable showing at Lollapalooza 2024. In a press release, Niko Kapetan noted that this was actually the first new song they ever played live as a four-piece, describing it as an ode to imposter syndrome and the effort to talk yourself out of that feeling.
Additionally, an April interview indicated the B-side pays homage to Friko’s former touring partner Water From Your Eyes. “All my love for records is embedded in the writing, because you become an unconscious conduit for your influences,” Bailey Minzenberger added.
Listen below.
The expanded version of Something Worth Waiting For is scheduled for release on 9/11 through ATO. Pre-order it here.
