For those of us that are hearing this group for the first time, 'Canto V' will simply amaze!
Right out of the gate, I will admit that 'Canto V' from The Fright is the first release I've heard from this five-piece – being that this album is their fifth effort, I certainly have missed a lot!
Lon Fright founded the group back in 2002, one which showcases his unique vocals and song-writing ability. A tight band, with musical mates Kane and Danny on guitar, along with Kain on bass and Luke Seven on drums, The Fright are a fearsome and extremely talented unit!
'Canto...' is as good as any place to start exploring and enjoying this classically-inclined Gothic band of musicians! The music flows deep, matching the lyrical messages sung with grand authority. Although the songs are written around a classic tale, the messages resound so clearly with what we are experiencing in the modern world today. Strong messages that meet with meaty, yet harmonious musical torrents. Vocals that touch towards the bottomless and then brush the highest of peaks through songs crafted to not only touch the heart but move you completely!
How each member blends their musicality seamlessly with each other makes you sit up and take notice, with astounding harmonies nestling alongside the strongest currents of rhythms; a feat not easily accomplished so consistently.
The Fright should be suitably proud of their work here! There is so much contained in 'Canto...' that it should be a prerequisite that this album should be a follow-up and one heard by all readers of the great work of literature that inspired it.
When listening, one will start to hear the warnings that Fright and his fellow soldiers of music are giving us. Like The Fright, we must be strong and forceful, lest we get sucked into the disharmony of current political and national movements. 'Canto...' is a socially-charged piece of epic music – an album full of sonic brilliance.
Produced by Waldemar Sorychta, the group shines as he has pulled out the best from each member. Fright, Kain, Kane, Danny and Seven have stretched beyond their borders, creating beds of music that bristle with excitement. This album is the complete package; Gothic in form with each performance perfect and each song enormously textured.
For those who know this group, this fifth effort will certainly delight, and for those of us that are hearing this group for the first time, 'Canto V' will simply amaze!
Bruce E.J. Atkinson