ALBUM REVIEW: Life In The Wires – Frost*
Life In The Wires is the fifth album by the prog band FROST* and their first since 2021. The band have had several changes of personnel over the years but founder member Jem Godfrey has been ever present. Jem has a very interesting CV. He is an established songwriter and producer. In fact, he was co-writer on the hit single Whole Again by girl pop band ATOMIC KITTEN. It’s fair to say that this is the first, and probably last, time Distorted Sound has referenced Kerry Katona’s former band.
Previous FROST* lineups included the likes of John Jowitt (formerly in IQ, ARENA and JADIS), and Andy Edwards who also played with IQ as well as Robert Plant.
Jem views the current lineup as the classic one for FROST*. He is ably assisted here by John Mitchell (guitars), Nathan King (bass) and Craig Blundell on drums. Jem plays keys too. John Mitchell is another ex-ARENA stalwart. Bass-playing is clearly in the King family’s genes as Nathan’s brother Mark achieved fame with LEVEL 42.
Life In The Wires is a concept album with a theme of dystopian control, a hero (Naio) who discovers old radio broadcasts and an attempt to escape oppression. Naio is pursued by The All-Seeing Eye which is the AI that runs the world. As is fitting for such a grand concept the album is lengthy. In ‘old money’ it would be a double album filling four sides of vinyl.
The length of this recording allows songs and ideas to breathe and fill the space. Lengthy numbers compete with shorter songs. Jem handles lead vocals for the majority of the tracks. The music is varied. Melodic themes are prominent but there are also heavier moments. It is a veritable potpourri of musical styles. There is something for everyone: gentle ballads (Absent Friends and Sign Of Life), complex prog songs (the title tracks), and heavier stuff shading into metal (Propergander).
The instrumentation is strong too: piano and keys, retro organ and suitably placed guitar solos. There are many influences in this album but it is still original. One can hear shades of PINK FLOYD and early GENESIS, but the vocal harmonies would not be out of place on tracks by ASIA.
The title track is in two parts which appear at separate parts in the record. This is effective in allowing themes to develop and then recur. There are many highlights in this record. Commercial sensibilities and pleasing chord progressions pop up at regular intervals. It’s also an album with a broad, sonic soundscape. Heavy, almost discordant, themes are balanced by quiet, reflective moments where the piano takes centre stage. Finally, the last song Starting Fires serves to end the album on a more reflective note
All in all, Life In The Wires is an album that requires several plays so that the themes and motifs effectively bed in. It is a masterful recording and worthy of airplay and wider recognition.
Rating: 9/10
Life In The Wires is out now via InsideOut Music.
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