Sikarus, the latest musical project from singer-songwriter Jordan Brooker, is making a strong early impression. On Friday, July 11th, the band released its second single, “Aprikot,” and if you’re a fan of 90s and early 2000s alt-rock, this one is going to hit you right in the nostalgia.
Brooker, whose songwriting credits include work with country heavy-hitters like Luke Combs and The Wolfe Brothers, is carving out a totally different lane with Sikarus. The band’s debut single, “Nonchalant,” was already a strong introduction, but “Aprikot” steps things up with confidence, grit, and melodic charm.
From the first listen, “Aprikot” feels instantly familiar, in the best way possible. The guitar work is driving and hooky, steeped in that golden era of alternative rock where melody mattered just as much as edge. There’s a touch of early Third Eye Blind, a dash of Matchbox Twenty, and even shades of Jimmy Eat World in the song’s pacing and structure. But despite those retro influences, the track never feels derivative. Sikarus isn’t trying to copy the past—they’re channeling it through a modern filter, and it works.
The lyrics are deceptively clever as well. Offering imagery in the music video that avoids cliché while still connecting on an emotional level. “Aprikot” isn’t one of those rock songs that leans on vague angst or surface-level sentimentality. Instead, it offers just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for repeat listens, trying to peel back another layer.
One of the biggest strengths here is Jordan Brooker’s vocal delivery. His voice fits like a glove. It’s warm and raspy in the right places and capable of carrying the melody with a kind of laid-back cool that’s essential for this genre. It’s the sort of performance that feels effortless but clearly isn’t. Brooker knows what he’s doing, and his transition from the country realm into this alt-rock space feels surprisingly seamless.
Of course, part of what makes Sikarus exciting is that it’s still new and finding its identity. There’s a rawness to the production that adds to the charm, and if “Aprikot” and “Nonchalant” are any indication, this project is only just scratching the surface of its potential. What we’re hearing now is the early spark of something that could easily grow into a full-on wildfire.
In a time where nostalgia is in high demand—especially for the warm, guitar-driven sounds of the late ‘90s—Sikarus is stepping in with perfect timing. They’re not reinventing the wheel, but they’re reminding us why that wheel rolled so well in the first place. The melodies are sticky, the vibes are right for late summer lake days.
So if you’re craving a fresh dose of rock that sounds like the soundtrack to your favorite high school memories—but with a fresh, modern edge—don’t sleep on Sikarus. “Aprikot” is a song worthy of frequent listening, and “Nonchalant” follows suit. Two tracks in, and it already feels like this is a band worth watching.
Because if this is just the beginning, then the future of Sikarus is looking very bright.
