Frost* – Scala 2006

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Frost* are one of those bands that no one wants to called a ‘supergroup’, but can’t think of a better term for. The all-prog outfit was founded by keyboard player and vocalist Jem Godfrey (Freefall), who is apparently most successful writing hit singles for pop acts like Atomic Kitten. Joining him are Arena/Kino guitarist John Mitchell, IQ/ex-Arena bassist John Jowitt and IQ drummer Andy Edwards. Former Freefall/Rook guitarist John Boyes contributed a substantial amount of additional guitar to their recorded output, but is not part of the live band.

Their magnificent album Milliontown was released in July and this was to be, for now, the band’s last gig in support of it. They have said that before, though. Supporting Flower Kings, who are considered to be one of the best modern prog rock bands in the World, probably isn’t the easiest gig to play. But seasoned prog veterans like the members of Frost* shouldn’t have too much of a problem. Play a couple of really long songs and you’re probably going to be safe. It’s good that prog rock can now mock itself and its love of long songs. Saves everyone else from doing it.

And that is exactly what Frost* did. Opening with the modest-length instrumental Hyperventilate, which also kicks off their album, then a quick storm through Black Light Machine before the 25-minute epic title track to close their 40-minute set. Of course, rapturous applause ensued. Job done. They enjoyed a rather full crowd, with most of the attendees making their way in from the bar, and plenty of jokes and the odd (slightly over-acknowledged) mistake produced a fair amount of laughter and gave the performance a sense of fun that probably served very well to get everyone in the mood for the main act.

It could be argued that mistakes and jokes (and even stopping songs for jokes) is a very unprofessional thing to be doing, but that’s kind of the point here. Frost is a fun project for the guys involved, and everyone that cares knows they are all highly accomplished and professional musicians. Indeed the previous night in Rotherham Mitchell and Jowitt both picked up awards at the Classic Rock Society’s annual Best of The Year event. That sense of fun prevails in their performances and it is something the highly appreciative prog rock audience can attach themselves to and enjoy.

Comedy aside, Frost* really are an excellent band and their album is worth investing in for any progressive fan. They play equally well live and it’s nigh on impossible not to enjoy their performances. Well worth checking out.

“ highly accomplished ”

Setlist: Hyperventilate / Black Light Machine / Milliontown

Written by Andy Lye
More: Gigs, Progressive, Frost*