Let me start this by admitting that I am a huge Frost* fan, so you might find this review slightly biased. Frost* returns with their fifth studio album and offers an ambitious new double album. As frontman Jem Godfrey asks, “Every prog band worth their salt really should do a double album, shouldn’t they?” This album shows that they are indeed worth their salt (not that there was ever any doubt).
Their last album’s final track, Repeat to Fade, ended with a voice asking, “Can you hear me?” through the static. That’s exactly where this new album begins, with the story of Naio, a kid trapped in an AI, who hears what sounds like a pirate radio signal and sets off on a journey to find its source.
With almost 90 minutes of music, there’s a lot to digest. I’ll admit, it took multiple listens to fully immerse myself in the music and pick up on all the nuances of the story. Unlike Day and Age, which intentionally avoided solos in favor of clever arrangements, this album marks a return to the classic Frost* style, invoking memories of Milliontown and other past works. There’s a sense of nostalgia laced throughout.
Of course, a return to the classic sound wouldn’t be complete without a classic lineup. Drummer Craig Blundell makes his return to Frost* after some time away, joining John Mitchell on guitar and Nathan King on bass. The album moves seamlessly between beautiful piano and vocal melodies and the kind of instrumental sections prog lovers crave. This time, unlike its predecessor, there are solos galore, alongside hooks, stunning musicianship, and Jem Godfrey’s brilliant vocals, as he takes on all lead vocals, ensuring consistency throughout the concept.
Highlights for me include the massive hook of “hello, hello” in Life in the Wires (Part 1), which also reintroduces us to Craig Blundell’s phenomenal drumming. There’s a haunting piano melody in This House of Winter, leading into a complex instrumental section that gives the musicians room to shine. Absent Friends features gorgeous orchestration supporting Jem’s voice and piano, while Propergander carries a rhythm and vocal delivery that brings to mind the intensity of Dividing Line.
No album of this scope would be complete without a 15+ minute epic, and Life in the Wires (Part 2) wraps things up brilliantly. We’re taken on a journey through classic Frost* instrumental work, huge hooks, flawless musicianship, and vocals that almost channel the vibe of 70s pop radio—something I personally love.
I’ll be honest—this album took a bit longer to grow on me, as it has a little less “drive” than previous releases. However, in this case, it works well, because the music serves the story. Once again, Frost* delivers, showcasing their incredible musicianship and their ability to create atmospheric, emotive tracks. Give it a few spins, immerse yourself in the story, and you’ll feel it all come together.
So, do I recommend this release? Absolutely!
“Life In The Wires” will be available as a Limited 2CD, Gatefold 180g 2LP & as Digital Album, with subtle difference across the 3 formats for added interest. The album features artwork design by Carl Glover, who also designed the cover of “Day And Age”. The full track listing is as follows:
CD1:
1. Skywaving 1:57
2. Life in the Wires, Part 1 5:30
3. This House Of Winter 6:10
4. The Solid State Orchestra 6:35
5. Evaporator 8:09
6. Strange World 5:09
7. Idiot Box 4:59
8. Absent Friends 3:58
CD2:
1. School (Introducing The All Seeing Eye) 3:12
2. Propergander 5:34
3. Sign Of Life 5:44
4. Moral And Consequence 8:13
5. Life in the Wires, Part 2 15:51
Starting Fires 4:40
FROST* online:
www.frost/life
https://www.facebook.com/frostlife/
https://twitter.com/Here_Be_Frost
https://www.instagram.com/here_be_frost/
https://www.youtube.com/@here_be_frost
