GHOSTS

Frequency Drift were formed in Germany in 2006 and their music has a cinematic approach which is inspired by movies. In effect their albums are something like soundtracks to films that don't exist !! The music they create is a blend of superb and atmospheric prog rock with girl vocals. Their music would probably be appreciated by fans of Karnataka, Magenta, Stream Of Passion or Clannad as well as general followers of classic rock. 'Ghosts' is their third album release and their first release for the 'progrock records' label. This release welcomes a new and superb vocalist, Antje Auer. The songs here are connected by the themes of things that haunt us, things that cannot be fully grasped and emotions that echo from the past. The opening track 'Crows' (complete with crow sound effects !!) sounds like autumn's lament to summer or a reflection on love long lost, the atmosphere captures me and transports me to a different place. 'Dreams' follows. A 12 minute prog epic that introduces us to the angelic yet powerful, ethereal and sublimely pure vox of Antje. Girlie vocals aren't everyone's bag, but if they are yours this is as good as it gets. Musically this song includes themes ranging from heavy metal to Jethro Tull driven flute passages. Further diversity is added with the extensive and expressive use of violin. 'Sadness' initially experiments with some processed vocals, which to me seem very out of place, before Antje resumes acoustic mode and adds a rougher edge to her vocals to suit this rockier and more guitar driven piece. 'Tempest' is beautifully atmospheric prog rock with a vague Celtic influence and a chorus that sucks you in immediately. 'Ringshine' provides a cinematic interlude and encourages reflection before 'Dance No More' , possibly the highlight of the album, seduces you with its metallic but atmospheric folk-prog-rock vibes. 'Mermaid' starts in a haunting manner with melody and atmosphere at a premium. "Teach me to hear the mermaid's song and tell me where it all went wrong, go and catch a falling star, then tell me not how things are". The song progresses into heavier waters and peaks with an aggressive Steve Howe inspired guitar solo before ending with haunting violin, electroharp and piano lines. The unusual use of electroharp throughout the album suits the concept of the themes perfectly. 'Come' concludes the album. Initially awash with melancholy and resonance, the song finishes with heavy guitars accompanied by mellotron-esque strings. This album has quickly become one of my favourite releases of the year and is very rarely absent from my CD drive. This is one of the few albums that can be described as truly mood changing and capable of transportation. Rich in the ethnical melodies of humanity and echoing with the atmosphere of our planet's desolate beauty, this is surely prog rock's soundtrack to life itself. Buy without hesitation.