Here’s some good news for those Frost* fans who’ve yet to track down the Japanese edition of the much-loved prog band’s 2024 album ‘Life In The Wires’. The previously exclusive bonus track ‘Western Atmosphere’ has been issued as a stand-alone digital single.
The track sees Frost* mainman joined by Zappa/Devin Townsend band member Mike Keneally, Steven Wilson collaborator Randy McStine and the ever reliable Nick D’Virgilio (ex-Spock’s Beard/Big Big Train) and is very much an interesting but melodic treat.
By opening with a warbly, almost funky bass loop, the number seeks to grab the listener’s attention immediately. When contrasting that with an 80s keyboard sound, there should be a more frivolous feel, but the presence of a mumbled vocal gives the extended intro a very ominous quality.
Then, most unexpectedly, Jem Godfrey and his band explode into a world of melodic rock where prog-ish verses – capturing elements of Devin Townsend’s more accessible material – is joined by a massive AOR-inflected chorus. The end result sometimes sounds like a John Mitchell project with bigger muscles, and sometimes like a throwback to the vocal tracks from Steve Vai’s ‘Fire Garden’. Any fleeting comparisons to the latter are made easier with the help of an absolutely blistering lead guitar break which fills the bulk of the middle of the track. Factor in some lead vocals that offer a clean and accessible melody on the chorus, and an almost 10cc-like middle eight and this complex number has a wealth of great ingredients. It’s a real treat for the Frost* fan.
Take a listen below.