Mosaik, the debut release from German band Frames, is an all-instrumental assortment of 70's styled prog-rock, haunting post-rock, fusion, space rock, ambient, and progressive metal. Never dipping too far into any one style, Mosaik manages to reel in the listener from the opening moments and rarely lets go throughout the CDs 11 tracks. Comprised of Jonas Meyer (guitar, keyboards), Manuel Schönfeld (keyboards), Kiryll Kulakowski (drums), and Julian Hoffmann (bass), this four piece have taken their influences (Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Anathema, ISIS) and crafted a pretty enjoyable little debut here.
Tracks like "The Beginning" and "ISP" have a tranquil, almost meditative feel to them, brought upon by lilting, 'post rock' styled guitar strums and a soft undercurrent of keyboards, while more metallic pieces like "Agenda" and "Audacity" feature plenty of crushing guitar riffs and solid rhythms. Many however will love the more proggy numbers, such as the Mellotron drenched "Driving Head" or the atmospheric "Insomnia", tunes that are rich in tones & colors. Fans will be reminded of the mellower moments of Porcupine Tree as well as The Pineapple Thief on the mesmerizing closer "M", a trippy & hypnotic tune that will take the listener away to far away solar systems.
Mosaik proves to be an enchanting listen from this exciting new band. Something tells me Frames have a set the foundation for a very good future for themselves with this one.
Track Listing
1. Intro
2. The Beginning
3. Agenda
4. Transition
5. Isp
6. Insomnia
7. Driving Head
8. Intermission
9. Horizon
10. Audacity
11. M
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