FROGG CAFE: Creatures

Cover Musicians
FROGG CAFE: Creatures

Nick Lieto : Lead-backing vocals, keyboards,  mellotron, Hammond, grand piano, trumpet, percussion & hot water
Frank Carniola : Electric-, acoustic- and classical guitars, tenor banjo, string bass, add. Keyboards, percussion
Bill Ayasse : electric- and acoustic violin, viola, mandolins, background vocals, percussion
Andrew Sussman : electric bass
James Guarnieri : drums, percussion
Release Label Cat. N° Playing Time Rating
2004 eigen beheer   53:13 7,5/10
Website Contact Style
www.froggcafe.com asussman@optonline.net Contemporary art rock
Review by
Walter Haentjens
Translated by Jennifer Summer
This band (originally called Lumpy Gravy) started out as a group of university students that played ‘live’ Frank Zappa cover songs. Their name quickly changed to Frogg Café after percussionist James Guarnieri joined the band.

They have a list of credentials to prove that they’ve got what it takes to be good: the opening act for the Flower Kings and The Magic Elf, positive reviews from the printed press as well as the singing press (Ian Anderson). The music can be described as contemporary art rock with influences from Zappa, Yes, Gentle Giant, Ian Anderson, Genesis and even such avant-garde composers as Stravinsky, Ravel, Coltrane etc…That’s a lot.

“All This Time” is a track with a bizarre intro and a memorable melody. You can definitely hear the influences of King Crimson and Gentle Giant, while the voice of the lead vocalist sounds very similar to that of Goran Johnsson (Grand Stand).

The light and jazzy ”Creatures” is a song containing those often occurring Zappa riffs. The vocal directions change from a David Pack (Ambrosia) sound then to a Wishbone Ash (in the harmonies) sound.

“The Celestrial Metal Can” (in memory of Charles Ives) starts with experimental electronic sounds and, rhythmically, is very messy. The last minute sounds like contemporary chamber music. It probably has some meaning, but what, I have no idea.

And now let’s go quickly to “Gagutz”. The strange chord combinations (à la Gentle Giant and King Crimson) are accompanied by the violin. This song is similar to “All This Time”, but without the catchy melody.

The longest song, “Waterfall Carnival” begins gently with an acoustic guitar and flute. I let myself get carried away by the fantastic synth sounds, the soft voice and the nice melody. The tempo soon picks up and the violin creates a pure Kansas atmosphere with a sprinkle of Jethro Tull. Next is a spacey in between piece and then we go back to a sort of ballad rhythm. The least that can be said about this track is that it’s exciting and it touches your soul now and again.

This CD is certainly worth listening to as long as you’re willing to accept the somewhat strange chord changes.
 
Tracklist
  1. All This Time  8:02
  2. Creatures 7:41
  3. The Celestial Metal Can 8:19
  4. Gagutz 7:56
  5. Waterfall Carnival 21:15

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Last updated: 16 juni 2004 .
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