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Press

Interview about Personal Effects

- metal1.info

Reviews for Personal Effects (Part2)

- www.progwereld.org
- Rocktimes.de
- Dprp
- metail1.info
- musikzirkus-magazin.de
- progarchives
- babyblaue Seiten
- ffm-rock
- amazon.de

English translation of the progwereld review of Personal Effects (part 2)

Frequency Drift – Personal Effects Part Two (2010)

 

I was rather doubtful before I set about listening to the second instalment of this triptych by Frequency Drift, being afraid that this album would be just as longwinded and boring as the first part of “Personal Effects.”

 

After all, what is this all about? Is it science fiction, is it non-fiction, is it a fairytale? The story of the protagonist, River, takes place in the year 2046. Well, entire Ayreon-albums have explored this idea. Are we really still looking for something like this? 2046… if I manage to live to that day I’ll be 88 and up to my knees in seawater due to an increased sea level.

 

After merely a few minutes, however, all my prejudices and skeptical feelings have disappeared like snow in summer. The music I hear in Deceit grasps me and doesn’t let go. Heavy guitar sounds with lots of echo are larded with electronic sound effects, after which River’s penetrating singing, performed by Nicole Scharnagl, grabs hold of me. I have long since given up trying to keep track of the narrative; the music speaks for itself and facilitates the exploration of your imagination.

 

The second part of this epic almost seems like a radio play. Distorted voices fool you into thinking that you are in a futuristic world and tell a story that is undoubtedly captivating. I don’t really care, because a beautiful passage with Gilmouresque guitar playing in Conflict pins me to my seat. David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, RPWL and Ayreon-like parts pass. Inside in particular contains that lovely playing that reminds me of David Gilmour. The music is spatial, atmospheric even, and draws me even deeper into my seat.

 

No, with this album Christian Hack, who is not just the band’s guitarist but also the creator and composer of this album, has taken a more grandiose approach. Whereas the first instalment was played by a classic formation comprising five members, the second part contains contributions from nine musicians and three vocalists. The three singers play a prominent role, although their voices sound rather similar. This is a shame, but Hack should be forgiven for this.

 

New attempts to follow the storyline are in vain. When Awakening starts, I even neglect the writer’s advice to form the story yourself by means of the black and white illustrations in the CD booklet. Atmospheric guitar playing, hypnotising vocals and an enchanting melody carry me away on a trip of which I cannot tell where it will end. “It is not over, it is not said, we will not forget,” River sings repeatedly, before being suddenly drowned out by a fierce guitar solo. The music increases to metal-like proportions. “Is this 2046,” I wonder. I check the calendar and realise that we’re still in 2010.

 

The keyboards and guitar are often alternated with comforting violin sounds, as in Flight. Just as I am about to dream away distorted singing clings to me, forcing me to keep paying attention. I fight my way out, only to drift off once again to River’s heavenly voice in Put It Down, a track containing an intriguing part with drums and percussion. The powerful blows on the drums form a bridge to River’s beautiful singing. In my mind, I try to imagine how beautiful she would look in real life.

 

Essence cruelly teaches me a lesson, literally urging me onwards. “You are running out of time,” I am told sternly and imperatively. The next moment, it is almost as if I’m listening to Sinéad O’Connor’s recognisable sob-like breaking voice. Double guitar playing prevents me from dreaming on; I hear two voices in my head. River and Romance are duelling vocally, I’m next to them and listening to them until an enormous blast heralds a cold silence. I am finally awakened from my dream with beautiful playing on piano and violin. I take a look at the booklet and fantasise that Lasting Effect is the peaceful conclusion to a turbulent story.

 

If you’re looking for an hour of atmospheric and melodious music and possess a healthy imagination that you like unleashing, then get into the travel story of “Personal Effects Part Two.” Recommended.

Reviews for Personal Effects (Part1)

- A new review from Poland
- A quite favourable review from www.progressor.net.
- A new review from www.progarchives.com.
- Our first review from Poland. You can find it here.
- A review from Belgium! You can find it here.
- We have our first Dutch review! Read it here.
- Click here to take a look at our first French review! (www.progressive-area.com)
- Here is an English review and a discussion forum about Frequency Drift
- Click here to take a look at a review at www.musik-zirkus-magazin.de.
- Our first review at www.ragazzi-music.de can be read here!
- There's another quite positive review from www.prog-rock.info. Click here to read it!