SUMMER

Color me impressed. Frequency Drift has already given us a masterpiece this year in "Over", an album that represented true progression and that contains some of the best songs of the year. In fact, as I write this, "Over" is still my favorite album of 2014 thus far. So, leave it to Frequency Drift to release yet another album of sorts called "Summer". The stated purpose of this album is two-fold. First, this album is a fundraiser for the band so they can do some touring (always a good thing). Secondly, however, "Summer" represents the end of an era for the band. Though the band is being rather mysterious about it, their next album is assumed to be somewhat different in style, and so Frequency Drift has decided to give one last hurrah before they move on to other things.

So, is the swan song of this era any good? It certainly is. Quite appropriately, the six tracks on this album are reworked, previously unreleased songs that the band have upgraded and perfected. Because of this, most of the tracks will remind fans of earlier albums, such as "Personal Effects" or "Ghosts", albums with which I fell in love in the first place. This means the songs are dreamy, flitting, and extremely atmospheric. Take, for instance, the title track "Summer" and the laughing that is present or "Summer's End" and its water effects. This type of thing is common with this band, and I simply love it. It's so refreshing.

Yet, the band doesn't rely on effects for filler. They are accents to the brilliant music. They augment it and nothing else. Again, the title track "Summer" is simply killer. The guitar melody is a work of genius, and the finger work is deft. In fact, "Summer" may be one of the best songs the band has ever made, and it is worth the price of admission alone. Indeed, it even approaches the brilliance of "Memory" off of "Over", which is as high a compliment as I can give it. "Summer" is representative of the whole album, though. The rumbling, organic drumming, the impressive bass work, and the stunning, visceral keys are all present throughout the album. Amazing. This band has finally come together as a tight unit.

Isa's voice sounds wondrous and whimsical. She really matches the tone of some of the previous vocalists, but I feel her voice is richer and she nails the melodic hooks even better. It is a true joy to hear her exercise her vocal feats around the soaring guitars and satisfying thumping of the drums. I must say that the guitar solos are especially impressive on the album, very soulful and creative. The sounds of summer's end are certainly present here, too, as the waning light and the ominous cold of autumn seem very discernible. There is a certain sorrowful tone of resolution that pervades this album, but it's a sorrow that mourns for nostalgia, yet hopes for the future.

So, support this amazing band. Frequency Drift deserves more attention, and "Summer" proves that. "Summer", "Summer's End", "Distant", and "Siren" are my favorites here, but the entirety of the work needs to be heard. It's the end of an era, and it certainly feels like it. So, the band has ended this era with a splash---quite literally.