EXPERIMENTS IN MASS APPEAL

Frost* followed up 'Milliontown' relatively quickly with the release of 2008's 'Experiments in Mass Appeal', a ballsy record that feels a little bit more loose, somehow more straightforward and a tad bit more experimental, and while it is quite heavily informed by the sounds of the antecedent album, 'Experiments' also has a very alternative edge to it, perhaps portrayed best by the rampant tempo changes and the abrupt endings of many of the songs on here. Keeping the same lineup, we definitely have an interesting extension of the Frost* sound developed on 'Milliontown' as the band tries to write dynamic compositions in which the keys are once again in the lead, this time with a more unorthodox rhythm section, one that is more pertinent to the likes of new wave or industrial music. We also see the more prominent presence of John Mitchell vocals and the guest appearance of Declan Burke (of Darwin's Radio) who contributes vocals and additional guitars and becomes an essential element of the album's presentation.

The unpredictable and often hysteric nature of the album is introduced swiftly with the title track that opens the album, a powerhouse compositions that preserves that very fine English melancholy, the ingredient that also renders 'Milliontown' quite special. We have electrifying playing and fast-paced riffs as the combat between the electric guitars and the synths are to be discovered on several occasions across the album, making up for a very recognizable sound that is prog but done in the 21st century. Once again Godfrey and company arrange the songs so that the gradual build-up "explodes" into the melodic choruses, which are always very memorable and unlike anything else you might have heard in prog around that time. The passionate playing frames most of the songs on 'Experiments', which is a very fiery album, as mentioned before, containing signature tracks like 'Pocket Sun', 'Dear Dead Days' and 'Falling Down'. Even the closing tracks 'Wonderland' is a very unexpected ride that reminisces strongly the feel of 'Milliontown', transitioning into a hidden track after a few minutes of silence.

The entire album dares to differ from its predecessor, and while the band remains essentially the same, 'Experiments in Mass Appeal' offers an even more energetic sound that still bolsters the precious tones of wintertime desperation that had defined the Frost* sound some two years prior.