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November 2024

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August 2024

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Frames: Mosaik

Instrumental Art/Progressive Rock

4.5/5.0

SPV/Steamhammer
/www.myspace.com/framesband
www.spv.de
By Craig Hartranft,  09.20.2010

Signing and promoting an instrumental prog band can be a precarious proposition for most any major label dealing in hard rock and heavy metal like SPV/Steamhammer. It's a lot like signing a guitarist for an instrumental solo album, the market and profitability just isn't there. As Shawn Gordon of ProgRock records once expressed to me (sic): 'there's no money in instrumental albums.' So, if you're going to do it then you better find a band as profound as Frames and their debut release Mosaik.

Released in late March in Europe, Mosaik is a fitting title for this immensely distinctive and entertaining disc. Frames's four musicians weave tiles and textures of musical elements into a delectable pattern. From the sublime of acoustic piano and guitar to more riveting moments of strong chords and voluminous keyboards, Frames perform acoustic magic that both challenges and defies convention. Compositions as minimal as The Beginning or Agenda or as encompassing as Insomnia or M offer movements and moments of beauty and inspiration. In profoundest terms, Mosaik is intelligent music for the most demanding fan of art or progressive rock. On the most basic level, for listeners and fans of good music, Mosaik is delightful and sophisticated ear candy. Equally soothing, inspiring, entertaining and thoughtful, Frames' Mosaik is a strong release, and worthy of your full attention. Quite recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

In profoundest terms, Mosaik is intelligent music for the most jaded fan of art or progressive rock. On the most basic level, for listeners and fans of good music, Mosaik is delightful and sophisticated ear candy.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]