Friendly No One is an indie rock quartet that has been based out of the artist co-ops of Lowertown Saint Paul, MN for the past four years. With drums, bass, guitar, baritone guitar, and three voices spanning a broad sonic range all the bases are covered. The resulting sound is always full with minute details constantly unfolding. Songs are written by both Scott Bergmann and Atom Pechman so variety is abundant. Dove, who plays bass, has a small screen printing operation for promotion and along with Atom records the band, giving them the freedom to experiment with their sound and image.

Having just released their experimental EP, “ex’s for i’s”, which they created while weathering the loss of their previous drummer, FNO is settling down to perfect their new sound with the help of their current animal of a drummer, Evan Potila. At once driving and jangley, the new songs retain the pop sensibility that has remained constant throughout all of the band’s changes. They will be recording in the fall at Tiger Tiger Productions’ new studio, exploring fresh territory with 5.1 surround mixes, for what is sure to be their best release to date.

The past year has seen the band playing weekend nights in respected Twin Cities venues such as The Varsity Theater and the 7th Street Entry, and even Chicago’s renowned Metro. Their annual Moustache Celebration at the Uptown Bar, which had everyone from 21 year old boys and girls to 65 year old women sporting faux handlebar moustaches, has earned the band’s shows the reputation for being a fun night out. Fans and new listeners alike are calling them the Twin Cities best kept secret. The past year has also seen the startup of Tiger Tiger Productions, a company formed by Dove and Atom, which is dedicated to musical exploration and building the music community.

Having broken in their tour van with weekend excursions around the Midwest the band is looking to tour full on this winter in support of their upcoming album. Placing third in the national Emergenza Festival championships has brought them many new industry contacts across the U.S. who will be helping to bring FNO’s music to new ears in the upcoming year.

With new music waiting to be unleashed on unsuspecting ears across the country Friendly No One is poised to launch themselves out of the best kept secret status and into the public eye. In an industry constantly complaining about a lack of originality, FNO offers a truly unique sound that appeals to a broad audience. If you’ve been looking something fresh to flood the airwaves with, look no further.

Friendly No One has released the music they made while weathering the loss of their drummer 2 years ago as an EP titled “ex’s for i’s”

The music is an experimental interlude as members often forgo their usual instruments in lieu of cellos, trumpets, organs, and the like. The rhythm is filled in by electronic beats or drums and percussion played by the remaining members Atom Pechman, Scott Bergman, and Dove.

The songs range from the calming bedroom pop of Enough to Cool the Blood, to the dark skittery beats of To Kill a Rockingbird, ending with the believable journey across the river Styx into hell with Boat.

While the band typically occupies the realm of rock with their new animal of a drummer, Evan Potila, ex’s for i’s is a welcome sidetrack into uncharted waters. Diverse and immediately accessible, this lovable gem defies comparison.