Friko “IN_OUT” Review
“IN_OUT” is the first single that Friko just released off their highly anticipated upcoming EP. My introduction to Friko was through their live session with the Hive, and “IN_OUT” was the first song I heard them play. There have been many times where I've loved the live version of a song but then once it's fully produced and released it doesn't live up to my expectations, but this is not the case for “IN_OUT.” I think that the recorded version is a great mix of being both what I was hoping for with some unexpected twists (like the stylistically auto tuned vocals) that complement the song very well.
My first impression of “IN_OUT” is that it sounds like a panic attack… which may not sound too appealing at first, but hear me out. The song isn't panic inducing, it just feels like it taps into that brain state when you're feeling some really intense emotions that you don't know how to control. These are some of my favorite types of songs because it almost feels like a way to take control of those feelings and let them go as you listen.
The chorus* feels like a thought stuck in your head, building upon itself until it can't be held in for any longer. That's when the verse comes in, a short moment that provides a sense of relief and release as something new is being brought to light. But right as you get drawn in the cycle begins again and you are caught back up in an endless loop.
Songs that have repetitive lyrics can get a bit of a bad reputation. I’ve heard lots of people say that it's just lazy songwriting, which could sometimes be true but it’s definitely not the case for this song. I think when used effectively, repetitive lyrics can enhance the feeling of a song and that's exactly what “IN_OUT” does. The lyrics can also be interpreted in so many different ways that if there were any more I think it would almost be too much.
Overall I would highly recommend checking out this song as well as keeping up to date with Friko to know when their next singles/EP will be released. I also just want to add a brief note about the music video for this song because it was not what I expected at all, but it matches the song really well. I don't want to give a full analysis of it because then this review would be way too long, but the visuals are very cool and it is definitely worth watching.
*Since it may be interpreted in different ways, I’m referring to the “in and out” part of the song as the chorus and the “sunlight rushes in/I can hear a symphony” part as the verse