CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Frost*
Album: Experiments in Mass Appeal (2008 InsideOut)
Tracks: 9
Artist website: http://frost.life
OVERVIEW:
This is the second album of neo-progressive rock band, Frost*. It’s the first one we’ve heard. We had zero expectations when we started listening to this CD. It became clear quickly that the band’s style is to change directions very suddenly. This is interesting as there are very few bands that do it to the extremes like this guys.
The musicianship is very good. The songs have strong melodies. The vocal work is outstanding! But this is not an album for a casual listener. The music is complex and warrants multiple listens. We could probably write a more detailed review if we listened to this album more than once.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Saline, Dear Dead Days, Toys
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Experiments in Mass Appeal
This track starts off dreamy and then explodes and blossoms into something very different. Interesting first impression.
Track 2 – Welcome To Nowhere
Pretty piano work.
Track 3 – Pocket Sun
Interesting track. Lot’s of syncopation and changes.
Track 4 – Saline
Very pretty mellow song that doesn’t do the “mellow start that explodes shortly” thing.
Track 5 – Dear Dead Days
Really catchy melodies.
Track 6 – Falling Down
Really cool track. Lots of layers and textures.
Track 7 – You/I
Track 6 segues seamlessly into this track. Very pretty.
Track 8 – Toys
Great track! Extremely catchy.
Track 9 – Wonderland
This a very interesting “epic”. There are some very cool ideas in here. I almost feel like it is a track with a break that is supposed to separate the last track from a hidden track.
ADDITIONAL NOTES :
Fans of Spock’s Beard (especially Neal era Spock’s Beard) should really check out this stuff.