Fren ~ Poland

Where Do You Want Ghosts to Reside (2020)

I had a few people recommend this title to me last year, more than usual, so I figured I'd add a new contemporary group to my buying list. The trouble was that every time I went to purchase the CD, it would have just sold out. Finally was able to secure one, and let's see what we have here. 

Right from the opening mellotron notes, it's clear this is going to be in the retro prog space, which is how it was described to me as well. What's strange about that is retro prog - as the term has become understood - is primarily a western European phenomena, based on their own country's 1970s progressive rock past. Especially England, Italy, and the Scandinavian countries. And the occasional Yank I suppose. But Eastern Europe's progressive rock scene of the 70s grew up differently. It had no choice, being forced to separate due to Communism. I enjoy both immensely, and it's nice to see a band from Poland make a try. When I think of Poland, bands such as Collage and Riverside come to mind, each being champions of neo prog and modern prog respectively.

Now having said all of the above, Fren aren't Wobbler, Astra, or Anglagard either. There is a distinctive post rock element to their sound - and the lengthy meaningless title of Where Do You Want Ghosts to Reside kind of gives that away. Big sweeping symphonic sound - somewhat modern sounding - as if Pink Floyd circa Animals wanted a try at emulating Jordsjo. I've always struggled with those lethargic fat beats that the genre seems to call for. So yea, Fren are a retro prog post rock band. Read that last sentence again. What a world we live in. Genre's aside, I was a bit fearful that the rhythm section wasn't going to participate, and essentially a computer could have taken over. But my fears were assuaged by the time of 'Gorąca Linia' and especially the jazzy 12 minute 'Pleonasm', quite possibly the highlight of the album. There's a slight resemblance here to fellow countrymen Gargantua. The entire band is quite accomplished, and I truly enjoy their (mostly) analog mid 70s sound. In the end, I'm rating this all instrumental album as "great", with the caveat that I'll need some convincing to move on with the band's next effort. Every year that goes by, the collection space is getting tighter. Standards are very high for newer albums. I know it's not fair that Night Ranger gets a nostalgia pass and the accomplished Fren has to fight to get in. But that's the way it is.

Ownership: 2020 private (CD). Die-cut digipak, with insert that changes its design. Also really appreciate the murky yellow and black original artwork. Acquired in 2021.

5/16/21 (review / new entry); 11/11/23