SNAPSHOT

Kinda explosive debut creation in order to break our 'preconceived ideas' away. A German duo CHOCLAT FROG (officially 'cHoclat FRoG') were founded by Rainer LUDWIG (vocals, keyboards, drums) and his son-in-law Tim LUDWIG (bass, guitars) in 2017. This opus "Snapshot" veiled in a sleeve full of 'snapshots' was released in June 2021 as their debut album. Looks like the creation consists of various colourful soundshots produced accidentally and improvisationally ... nobody but the duo knows the truth though. Some moments notify us they would play impromptu but others give us the impression that they construct their sound material elaborately and minutely. Aside from that, we can clearly mention that the combination of Tim and Rainer (especially the rhythmic bases) is quite creative and harmonious all around the album. Their incredible sound dissonance and quirkiness launched in the very beginning of the first track "Opposites" can impress us that there is no awkwardness nor toughness but smooth, silky texture. Such a movement should express their musical, instrumental, and physical / mental quality, let me say.

In "Part II (Army of the Wise Guys)" Tim's dramatic heavy guitar riffs remind us of the similarity to King Crimson in the "Red" era. Fantastic are also strong punksy vibes. "Part III (Philosophers)" features bombastic improvised potentials and sarcastic melodic stabilities ... such a mysterious contrast is interesting. "Part V (Need to Survive)" is one of the most energetic songs. Under the current tough situation, they claim for us that we need to survive. Exactly such a powerful opus encourages us, it's true. Rainer's beautiful keyboard plays in the former part of "Part VII (Monsters ? I Need More Bucks!)" cleanse our inner mind, and in the latter phase weird melodic lines confuse us pleasantly. Pretty enjoyable there are lots of gimmicks or traps in every single track. "Part IX (The Drinker)" is another authentic deep heavy stuff with less melodic dissection. Tim's dragging guitar play and Rainer's inspirational drumming are awesome. Sounds like they did not make a display of unusual, unnatural eccentricity on this track. One of my favourite songs in this album actually. And we can laugh out at the messy dirty atmosphere in the following "Part X (B*****d Neighbor)" flooded with enchanting madness launched via their gosh instruments. The epilogue "Part XI (Where Language Ends Music Begins)" shooting another metallic darkness all around by heavy drumming and dignified guitar playing sounds very innovative. Guess they have got inspired by various progressive rock / heavy metal vanguards until then but they could digest the crucial elements completely and recreate them as their original material.

"Snapshot" can be called as a fascinating debut album. We cannot help getting impressed with their accurate, serious, and natural sound creativity on a regular basis.