Nick Frater: The Maestro of Melodies Who's Making Power Pop Cool Again
"Bivouac": Where Pop Meets Prog in a Delightful Dance
Imagine if Burt Bacharach and Todd Rundgren had a musical lovechild, raised it on a steady diet of Wings' "Ram" and Utopia's "Wizard a True Star," then sent it off to compose a rock opera about post-industrial Britain. That's "Bivouac" in a nutshell, folks. This 23-track behemoth is a concept album that follows our protagonist as they trade the rat race for a life of woodland whimsy. It's like "Walden," but with better guitar solos.
Frater's got more collaborators on this album than a conspiracy theorist has theories. He's enlisted the talents of Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (of Beck and Jellyfish fame), Luke Smith (Ulysses), and Joe Kane (The Poppermost). It's like the Avengers of power pop assembled in a recording studio.
But wait, there's more! Frater didn't just stop at human collaborators. Oh no, he went full mad scientist and brought in Pink Floyd's original Dark Side of the Moon synthesizer. That's right, this album has a pedigree that would make a Westminster Kennel Club champion jealous.
From "Bivouac" to Big Stages: Frater's Excellent Adventure
While "Bivouac" is making waves faster than a jet ski in a kiddie pool, Frater's been busy proving he can hang with the best of them. He recently shared the stage with none other than Johnny Echols of Love fame, performing the legendary "Forever Changes" album in its entirety at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.
Picture this: A security guard warns the audience that seats have been installed because "it's an older crowd." Little did he know, Frater was about to inject so much energy into the room, even the chair legs were tapping their feet.
With Frater on keys, alongside a trumpet player, French horn virtuoso, and a string quartet, the band brought "Forever Changes" to life like a musical Frankenstein's monster - but you know, the kind you'd actually want to hang out with.
What's Next? Another Album, Because Sleep is for the Weak
Just when you thought Frater might take a breather, he's already cooking up his next masterpiece. Set your alarms and mark your calendars (do people still use those?) for November 2024, when Think Like A Key Music will unleash Frater's next opus upon the world. Details are under wraps tighter than a drummer's snare, but if "Bivouac" is any indication, we're in for a treat sweeter than a double-scoop ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
The Verdict: Frater's Not Just Good, He's "Add to Wantlist" Good
Don't just take our word for it. The folks over at Add to Wantlist are singing Frater's praises louder than a soprano with a megaphone. They've dubbed "Bivouac" a masterclass in balancing conciseness with ambition. It's 45 minutes of pure pop perfection that respects your time more than a Swiss watchmaker.
From seamless transitions to recurring motifs that'll have you humming in your sleep, "Bivouac" is best consumed whole, like a musical turkey dinner. It's a feast for the ears that'll leave you stuffed, satisfied, and wondering why all albums can't be this good.
In Conclusion: Nick Frater, The Pop Prophet We Need
In a world where auto-tune reigns supreme and melodies are often treated as optional, Nick Frater stands as a beacon of hope for lovers of crafted, intelligent pop music. He's not just making albums; he's creating musical playgrounds where '60s jangle pop swings on the monkey bars with prog rock while power pop does backflips off the slide.
So, do yourself a favor. Give "Bivouac" a spin. Let Nick Frater take you on a journey through his woodland sanctuary of sound. Just be warned: side effects may include uncontrollable toe-tapping, spontaneous air guitar solos, and the sudden urge to quit your job and live in a treehouse. But hey, that's the power of great music, right?
Remember, folks: in a world of musical fast food, Nick Frater is serving up gourmet feasts. Bon appétit!
