FRAKTAL

3.5 really, but warm-heartedly rounded to 4!

Another proof that me and John (sinkadotentree) are soul-twins in music. I came across FRAKTAL some while ago and didn’t like it much first (but hey, I didn't give it 1 star without a review like that guy below did!!! ). Just another RADIOHEAD clone I thought. But recently, checking their page at PA, I’ve noticed that the only written review was by John! “Need to re-check them” I thought. And I did.

Another strange occasion I usually have with RADIOHEAD-inspired bands – they please me much more then the band they try to copy. THE AMBER LIGHT and PINEAPPLE THIEF are flawless in this matter, better than FRAKTAL in my book, but these guys from Argentina should be checked as well. They are more Psychedelic, mellow, vocalist’s accent is pretty fitting there, and I can’t keep from mentioning how good their guitar-player is. I totally agree with John: the whole thing is about atmosphere, not about the ever-changing themes or top-notch playing. FRAKTAL create wonderful aura of RADIOHEAD covering classic FLOYD material :) Best songs are definitely “Tree”, “Aneurysm” and “This Song says nothing”, but almost every song has something excellent to offer! I amazed with their level of songwriting, but there’s also a flaw (IMHO) – all the tracks sound a bit samey, I can get why (after all, this is their performing manner!), and the whole album would sound more focused without some tracks, that are too samey and average (I won’t tell you their names! ;) ). I mean 45 minutes instead of almost 65 would be enough for me!!! Nevertheless this is a solid and emotional record, greatly recommended to all RADIOHEAD and Modern Prog aficionados. Check it, it’s a grower!!!

FRAKTAL are a band from Argentina who create a moody, melancholic yet uplifting brand of music. The singing is in English and he has that same vocal style as Thom Yorke. There isn't much in the way of instrumental outbreaks, it's all about creating atmosphere. I can't express how much this music moves me, i'm a huge fan of this album. The other beautiful thing about this record is the guitar playing. This guy picks away at his guitar making a sound that reminds me of a higher pitched keyboard sound, it's wondrous, heavenly, and used throughout the record.

"Blind" has to be a top three. Strummed guitar to open before that picked guitar comes in with bass and drums. Love this sound it's just so moving. Vocals before a minute.The electric guitar becomes prominant before 3 minutes then he lights it up after 3 1/2 minutes. "Chickens And Worms" opens with what sounds like a scratchy LP. It settles in to a relaxing beat around a minute with vocals. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes then settles back. Contrasts continue. Some raw guitar before 5 minutes to end it. "Aneurysm" is uptempo to start which is contrasted with the calm sections with the drugged-out vocals. Vocals also whisper at times. "Endless Ether" is also a top three tune. Great sound to open as it builds. Some guest keyboards on this one. Vocals before a minute. It gets heavier a minute later, then settles again as contrasts continue. "Falling Down" opens with strummed guitar as picked guitar and reserved vocals join in. Drums after a minute but they come and go. Some guest female vocals here.This songs very RADIOHEAD-like.

"I Am Not" is another top three song. This song has strummed guitar to open as well. Vocals and drums join in. Nice bass. I like when the strummed guitar stops and picked electric guitar takes over. Female vocals here as well before 3 minutes. Love this song. "Past Present" is experimental with vocal sounds and other noises. "Sorry" has this good beat with guitar. This is the most aggressive track.Vocals and a great sound follows. "Unreal Crosses" has this gorgeous intro and it's even better when the vocals come in. It's heavier 2 1/2 minutes in then back to earlier sound. This should be in mytop three. Oh oh, I should be picking a top seven not a top three. "This Song Says Nothing" is another excellent tune. Deep bass, keyboards and guitar, it's all so beautiful. "My Quittor" is another good one with drums, guitar then vocals. "Hidden Lift" is very mellow and slow paced to open. It does get haunting at times as well. "Tree/Steps" opens with the sounds of a music box followed by a beat and vocals. Beautiful. Guitar 2 minutes in. Organ and spoken words end it.

Take away the 4 average songs and this would be 5 stars in my opinion. Highly recommended.