MOSAIK

Mosaik is one of those debuts that can be called enjoyable, promising, and disappointing all at the same time. After the first few songs you really think you're in for a masterpiece, but by the end of the album, Frames' "formula" gets pretty repetitive. It's really a shame that Mosaik is so formulaic, because there are some really fantastic songs here! Seeing the potential that Frames possesses in the first half of the album, it's obvious that this band has a promising future. However, as it currently stands, it seems that we have an average album with a few standout tracks... all of which happen to be at the beginning.

This German 4-piece outfit plays an eclectic style of post rock. Most of the album can comfortably be described as post rock, but there are a few metal-oriented moments on Mosaik, as well as prog influences. Despite this eclecticism, this sound is used on basically all of the songs on this almost one-hour affair. By the end of the album their unique sound has worn out its welcome, and becomes a bit of a drag. Compositionally speaking, the best songs (The Beginning, Agenda, ISP, and Insomnia) are all towards the front-end of this release. Not to say the other songs aren't good, but they have nothing that really stands out. It also doesn't help that almost all of the songs have the same arrangements and repetitive compositional structures.

The musicianship is pretty good. All four musicians definitely know what they're doing on this album. The production is actually probably the best part about Mosaik. It's moody, clear, and professional. I have only good things to say about how this release is produced.

Conclusion:

Mosaik is a solid debut by Frames, but I can't help feeling a bit disappointed by the end product. Had the entire album been as strong as the first half, I definitely would've been more impressed. As it stands, this is worth a purchase if you're into post rock, even if it's mostly for the first few tracks. 3 stars are warranted here.

(Originally Posted on SeaofTranquility.org)

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