Jem Godfrey is unknown within prog circles, but is a highly successful pop songwriter and producer. He has produced number 1 singles like "Whole Again" by Atomic Kitten and "That's My Goal" for X-Factors Shayne Ward. So top pop credentials then, but what's he like at prog? Well on the evidence of this debut album for his band Frost* pretty sensational. Though his bread and butter is modern pop, Godfrey's musical first love is prog and at last he gets the chance to show what he can do. Bringing in top talent like the ever-busy John Mitchell (Arena, Kino) and IQ's rhythm section, he is well supported.
The album starts with the instrumental, the aptly named "Hyperventilate". Beginning with a soft piano intro, the band then suddenly thunder in with a massive wall of sound. Right from the word go it is obvious this band mean business. This is rip-roaring stuff! Godfrey's songwriting and production skills developed producing all that nice pop are obvious throughout the 6 tracks which make up the album. Unusually for a prog rock album, there are lots of modern production techniques applied. The vocals are treated and samples and cut-up techniques are used to good effect to enhance the mood of the album. This brings a very fresh feel to the music and brings to mind the kind of modern, electronic feel to what OSI achieved on their debut album.
The highlight of the album is the epic, 26 minute title track. Lyrically based on a book concerning an apprentice to the Grim Reaper this is a wonderfully constructed piece. Melodically very strong and complex, Godfrey has pushed out all the stops on this. If anything I am reminded of one of Spock's Beard epic pieces, but very rarely did that band sound as energised or as fresh as this. John Mitchell's guitar playing is highly impressive throughout as is the rest of the band. Drummer Andy Edwards is a real find for IQ. All keyboard duties are delivered by Godfrey who keeps things colourful and tight utilising only modern digital instruments.
Along with The Tangents "A Place In The Queue" and Magenta's "Home" this is one of the outstanding albums of the year without a doubt. Further, this is one of the best prog rock debuts I have heard in a long time, maybe since "The Light" by Spock's Beard. Godfrey is already writing material for a second album and the band are planning live dates, so this looks like more than a 1off project which is very good news. By the way retro prog fans, he hates mellotrons and mini-moogs. Nobodies perfect!