MILLIONTOWN

That's my very very first reaction towards the opening track "Hyperventilate" (7:31) of debut album by FROST. That's really true and it did not require me to think further or re-spin the CD as at first listen it BLEW me away .Why? First, I have been listening to various kinds of progressive music from the traditional and basic symphonic prog even until the modern prog named as neo-psyche or so. But, the kind of music Hyperventilate track is kind like "new" to my ears. Yes, there is heavy component of Arena, but Arena has never played this kind of music before. There is a bit of symphonic prog in here, but Genesis or Yes has never played this kind of music. So .. it's totally new to my ears, honestly! Second, this track has something that really inquiring the mind with its varied moods, motifs and styles delivered by combining (dynamically!) the keyboard work, drums by new IQ drummer, bass guitar and guitar. It's really a masterpiece track, performed instrumental. Basically, having listened to this track, I really don't care what kind of music that would follow after this opening track because the opening track has already killed me alive! But it's not fair if I just write my review about the opening track only, it must continue with next tracks.

"No Me No You" (6:06) ast first did not impress me because it's basically an upbeat modern pop rock music with some new wave flavors, I believe, or some people may refer it as alternative rock. (Note: I'm not quite familiar with new wave kind of things). It starts with an ambient narration followed by guitar riffs which reminds me to the album by Mike Rutherford "Acting Very Strange". The more I spin this song, it grows on me especially on its groove and music flow. I have to admit that this band is lacking on vocal department, or at least it does not meet my expectation. The keyboard solo is attractive and stunning. Again, the influence of Arena is quite intense because John Mitchell is from Arena and John Jowitt played with Arena as well. Andy Edwards (IQ drummer) is a good drummer. The interlude part is quite complex with symphonic background.

"Snowman" (3:55) starts with very nice yet simple piano touch followed by mellow vocal line. The song contains some programming effort. It's good as a break to the next track. "The Other Me" (4:51) reminds me to a song by British pop rock band Def Leppard especially with a song titled "Truth?" from "Slank" album. It similarities lie on melody and ambient, even though they are not exactly the same. "Black Light Machine" (10:06) is another favorite of mine. It has an energetic and catchy music interlude especially keyboard solo which truly stunning. I do not favor the drum sounds actually, but it does not matter because the keyboard work is really excellent! So, it's not only the opening track that is excellent, this 5th track "Black Light Machine" and the concluding track "Milliontown" are also excellent.

"Milliontown" (26:35) is an epic, as you might have seen from the duration which it takes more than 25 minutes with six (6) chapters / movements. The opening chapter ONE UNDERGROUND serves as an ambient opening that sets the overall tone of the epic. It moves to Chapter two ABRACADAVER with a great music in relatively fast tempo in the vein of ARENA, demonstrating really GREEEEAAT keyboard solo and guitar solo with wonderful music. Andy Edwards plays his drums. The song moves dynamically in balanced styles of heavy and light parts until it finishes at the last chapter TWO UNDERGROUND. You would definitely find catchy segments and wonderful interludes throughout the twenty-six minutes full performance of the band.

Overall, I would highly recommend this album to those of you who really want to explore the boundaries of traditional or classic prog with unique prog sound produced by FROST. It's really entertaining for me personally to enjoy this album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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