Posted 2 years ago
Live! Friska Viljor in Amsterdam
Photos & review by Leonie Francien Sellies
Some bands have the ability to connect to the audience. They know how to convey their love for the music and to take the listener with them on a ride; Friska Viljor is one of them. The band came into existence in 2005 when Daniel Johansson and Joakim Sveningsson, the founders and currently head singers of the band, were simultaneously left by their significant others and found each other while drinking away their grief in the nightlife of Stockholm. After a long night they miraculously ended up in a studio together and Friska Viljor was born!
Daniel Johansson and Joakim Sveningsson, with their beards and long blond hair seem like the epiphany of what we would call Swedish men. It is a peculiar and striking duo. With their raw voices, personal lyrics and clear affection for the audience they know how to capture you in their music. Reoccurring themes in their songs seem to be alcohol, broken hearts and disillusionment with the world, followed by optimistic prospects for the future.
The duo has already produced three albums – Bravo, Tour de Hearts and For new Beginnings – the last of which announcing a new beginning for the band and the direction they are heading with their music. According to Daniel the music is deeper and more thought has gone into what kind of instruments they have used, but the new beginnings above all announce a new attitude towards life, finding more harmony. An example of this can be found in their new song ‘Hibiskus Park’, but their new album also contains more energetic songs such as ‘People are getting older’. Friska Viljor by now has obtained a fair amount of fame in Sweden and the Benelux.
During the performance the duo, with their three band members accompanying them on the electric guitar, electric piano and drums, keep surprising the audience. They use unusual instruments and feed from the energy of the crowd. There is a perceivable build-up in their performance, which starts somewhat lethargic but keeps building up during the performance up until the point when everyone is energetically dancing and singing along. The constant smile on the face of the pianist expresses the joy the band clearly gets out of playing live. At one point Joakim walks up to an ecstatically dancing girl and for a few seconds the music is only dedicated to her. During some songs Joakim holds out his hands towards the audience as if he wants to hug them.
The music is unique, could be classified as indie, but to really know it one needs to listen to it, preferably live. As the last song is announced the crowd goes wild: “We want more, we want more!” and they get more! After the first encore Joakim declares he adores enthusiastic audiences and this enthusiastic audience is rewarded with a total of 4 encores!
All in all it is a great concert with first-class music and an awesome atmosphere. If you have the opportunity to go to a live concert of Friska Viljor this is definitely a must-see!
