FROST* – Others (2020)
The brainchild of keyboard player Jem Godfrey, FROST* includes some progressive renowned musicians such as John Mitchell (Arena, Kino) and Craig Blundell (Pendragon). They are releasing “Others” tomorrow, that heralds the start of what looks like being a productive and FROST*-y 2020. This is an advance of the limited ’13 Winters’ anthology-artbook to be released later this year, then there’s the promise of a new studio album scheduled for September.
Frost* is one of those bands that just doesn’t sound like anyone else. Their style is certainly progressive, but not robotically so. While you could call them “prog rock” to a certain extent, their sound leans heavily on pop & rock. You will hear sweeping keyboard atmospheres, filtered vocals, driving rhythms, and tons of samples and production accents that make this release feel truly alive.
One of things I’ve always liked about this band is their willingness to give a middle finger to the progressive community. I’ve seen some people remarking on the difficult nature of some of the electronic elements on this release, but that is exactly why I love it, and why I continue to find the band so interesting.
There’s some songs here that are truly a challenge to absorb at first, but they are all the more brilliant for it. Huge walls of sound slam into each other with little notice, unorthodox samples make up some of the melodies, and the beats often hammer relentlessly: these things are just the tip of the iceberg for what you’ll experience.
All six songs are riveting, powerful, and strong, to say the least.
The lead single here is “Exhibit A”, a roller coaster of a song with salty language, an unstoppable melody, and some amazing vocals. It’s a good introduction to Frost* in general.
“Fathers”, the opener, is similar in style, really bringing the rock side of things, even though you will hear less guitar on this album than you might imagine. I love the atmospheric portion in the second half of this song.
“Eat” is one song that needs some discussion. It offers a hefty portion of vocal samples within its primary melody, and I think this could scare some people. The song plays into this idea more and more, and then Jem’s sweeping keys come in, and everything just feels perfect. This is an example of Frost*’s adventurous composition skills, something that keeps me coming back for more.
“Cloud A” is mostly cinematic and atmospheric in approach, even mysterious at times. It does get a sharp rhythm going near the end, but the song is mostly about aura, not rock. “Fathom” is similar in structure, but has this marching string section that really builds anticipation, but this time there is no climax or crescendo. It’s a brilliant way to change things up and make us admire the slow burn itself.
Finally, “Drown” is another slow burn, and texture seems to be the driving factor. I love it.
On “Others” Frost*’s signature inventiveness is on full display. Don’t hesitate to get this.
Highly Recommended
1. Fathers
2. Clouda
3. Exhibit A
4. Fathom
5. Eat
6. Drown
Jem Godfrey – vocals, keyboards
John Mitchell (Arena, Kino) – guitars
Nathan King (Dec Burke) – bass
Craig Blundell (Pendragon) – drums
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