Reviews

For me this album is a great find and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know it. My interest was sparked from the start but I have really grown to love it the more I’ve listened to it. The performances are superb and the writing excellent with a good ear for sounds that will bring the material to life - special mention for the violin and electroharp which are inspired guest choices that will hopefully be further integrated into the band for future releases – and in Auer Frequency Drift have a very talented focal point. Excellent.
www.dprp.net/reviews/201205.php#frequency

And the quality never lets up. Right through to the closer 'Come' the emphasis is squarely on wide-screen yet exquisitely intricate passages of peerless, imaginative music that takes the listener to that Arcadian dream world just over the horizon. Lie down in a dark room with the headphones on, light a candle and let Ghosts carry you wherever you want to go. Marvellous.
www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2011/frequency_drift.htm

Antje Auer's vocals are one of the most distinguishing features on this album and add to the presence this band brings to the progressive rock community. She is an asset that is featured well on this album, but deserves even more of a vocal presence on future albums. This band is one of the few bands out there that knows how to balance keys well with heavy electric guitars. They know how to take those ethereal moments and drive the emotions; while at the same time build power with guitar and keys on the parts that need strength. The addition of the flute and violin help build an encompassing sound and exhibit the well rounded talent this band brings to the table for future productions. Definitely on my 'Watch List'! Now to go back and get Personal Effects, Parts I & II. The value of finding spin offs and collaborations is an exciting bonus, so I am also checking out Coronal Rain.
www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=12091

ProgArchives trips over itself to keep us from flippantly giving an album a 5 star rating. Often, I've headed their warning and backed off. Not this time! Without hesitation I plowed on through, and with Spinal Tap aplomb wished there was a 6-star button available. Frequency Drift's 2011 "Ghosts" release is truly a WONDERFUL album! While it is their 3rd published body of works, I confess it is my first exposure to the band. I was easily, easily won over. I greatly enjoy female-fronted melodic prog/rock genre (Mostly Autumn, Iona, Karnataka, Magenta, etc.), so in featuring Antje Auer's perfect vocals, Frequency Drift delivers on that front very well. Musically, I'd like to refer to "Ghosts" is a collection of eight 'soundscapes'. As other reviewers have noted, there is a healthy dose of atmospherics here, often with wispy and ethereal textures that would sate the palette of any lover of ambient music-- checkout the track "Ringshine"! One of my favorite aspects of this CD is the tasteful inclusion of classical acoustic instruments. Piano, violin, and flute are not only featured, but are often foremost, and skillfully played.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=602014

This is a do or die instant in the posterity of this album and where it will legate in the pantheon of Prog accomplishment and I am relieved to inform that the notch has been kicked up to a heavenly level. The axework is scintillating once again and when they lay down the bridge for Antje's haunting voice, this music just sparkles with vibrant delicacy. The mid-section gets very reserved and almost angelic as if inspired by unseen spirits guiding the way towards a solo fusillade by the 2 fluid stringmen. Devastating, I say!. The stellar "Mermaid" perpetuates the sonic balm even beyond the traditional folk-prog dimensions by composing a sheer masterpiece of filigree and shadow (thank you This Mortal Coil) , a jewel that defies description so shimmering is its glow. Sealed with a blistering guitar barrage that I have never encountered before, sizzling, fizzling, oblique and explosive , thoroughly nasty ! This is followed by a gorgeous soft section of utter splendor, the violin caressing the serene voice, pleading and crying forlornly. Audacious and dreamy, like a floating nirvana. Finally, the shining "Come" ends the parade of cascading stars with another Antje rant, a somber reflection of pain and bewilderment, embraced by a poignant violin screeching, wounded. The guitars just add the coup de grace??.. Bravo, bravo, bravo! Though far from Teutonic, the musicians have displayed a unique talent that deserves recognition and future encouragement. The finest German release in a very, very long time. It was worth the wait ,this recording is a breeze to listen to, never boring, always compelling 5 droning dunes
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=594499

Totally agree with all of the positive reviews on this album. I particularly enjoy the variety of aural treats on offer. Atmospheric, melodic soundscapes form the backdrop with violin, flute and electric harp thrown in to delightful effect. Not only this there are some dramatic changes of pace and mood with some surprisingly heavy (yet effective) guitar coupled with wonderfully melodic solos. Another positive for me is that although the melodies on offer are enjoyable on initial hearing, subsequent listens reveal more and more to enjoy. New vocalist Antje Auer contributes some beautiful ethereal vocals, but also displays impressive power when required. Main composer Andreas Hack is to be complimented for this extremely impressive effort which is a strong contender for my album of the year. Tasty, tasty, very very tasty.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=586323

If you are looking for something a bit different, Frequency Drift may be the band to follow. Their well engineered album is easy on the ears and a musical smorgasbord of styles – and as a result always interesting and melodic. Long songs with fascinating lyrics and excellent musicianship make Ghosts a winner. Long instrumental passages only serve to enhance the orchestral feel and sweeping melodies carry the soft and melancholy mood to perfection. While the “cinematic” stylings of Frequency Drift won’t appeal to every listener, those who follow progressive rock will find this a mellow, melancholic and thoroughly enjoyable trip.
hardrockhaven.net/online/2011/frequency-drift-ghosts

Dance No More is another excellent rock song. It starts slowly, but soon you can clearly hear the influences of the Dutch progressive gothic metal bands Within Temptation and Epica. The last five minutes of Dance No More brings you back to the apocalyptic and sinister world of haunting ghosts. Mermaid is much 'lighter' and merrier, more in the vein of the romantic and dreamy songs of Clannad and Loreena McKennitt, although the heavy violin and the guitar duel in the middle-section didn't impress me. The final piece Gone also has some very pleasant moments. I consider the excellent third album Ghosts by the German band Frequency Drift to be one of the big surprises of 2011. If you like the bands stated above and you like to hear something special, just buy this album. It's certainly worth the money...
www.backgroundmagazine.nl/CDReviews/FrequencyDriftGhosts.html

Interview
www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=4095&lang=en

The songwriting on the album tends to favour longer tracks, and for the direction of the music, I would say that this is the best thing that Frequency Drift could have done, given their approach and style. None of these are 'epics' by the traditional prog rock definition of the term. Instead, the compositions float like ambient pieces, loosely flowing but never feeling improvised. This can tend to feel a little aimless upon initial listens, but it warms up as the music becomes more familiar. Really, the only thing that stands out as being less-than- excellent on 'Ghosts' is actually the production. True enough, the sound is clear and far from lo-fi, but for such an atmospheric performance, the way this music has been recorded lacks the organic quality that I would crave for music like this. The violins are doused with a fitting layer of echo, but the rest of it feels a tad restrained. For this, I feel somewhat disappointed that I cannot hear the album with a production that compliments the otherworldly nature that the rest of this work conveys. A fine work of sincere beauty, Frequency Drift's 'Ghosts' does well to transport the listener to the lake on its album cover. A few things don't sit perfectly with me, but it comes highly recommended.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=570671

Yet, that latter formula characterizes much of Frequency Drift's arrangement in the past, and on Ghosts. Driven by Antje Auer's ethereal vocals, a layer equally airy violins, and keyboards, the song Come certainly established the contrast of lightness and heaviness. Yet, for the greatest intrigue Dreams easily defines the album. It's a showcase of sound composition and musicianship. All players and instruments, including Christian Hack's flute, offer an entertaining and lasting audio vision. Equally atmospheric and grounded, ethereal and edgy, Frequency's Drift's Ghosts offers a delectable serving of melodic and progressive rock. Recommended.
www.dangerdog.com/2011-music-reviews/frequency-drift-ghosts-review.php

Album of the Year! A true masterpiece! A rare, rare phenomenon: A nearly flawless album, start to finish! The more I listen to Ghosts the more I hear, the more I like, the more I am amazed by the freshness, creativity, compositional and instrumental skills of the players band members (and guests). Also, while I hear similarities which might be inferred as 'influences,' this band is nobody's clone, no neo-progger; this is fresh and original Symphonic Prog all the way. Easily the best vocal arrangements and performances I've heard in the past few years--with great lyrics and outstanding music to support, embellish, and carry the day. Every change and shift is engaging and clever, every solo emotion-filled and invigorating. Everytime I listen to this album I am drawn in completely, I end up playing/listening to it start to finish, and I have new favorites or new 'ah-ha's every listen through. The self-proclaimed students of White Willow, Pink Floyd, et al., these guys (and girl) have, with this album, IMO, surpassed their masters in every way possible. Kudos, Andreas, Antje, Martin, jürgen, Sebastien, and Christian! You have accomplished what I thought might never happen: added to--and perhaps even surpassed--the 'best' 'classics' of progressive rock music.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=552039

“Ghosts” the third album of the German band Frequency Drift is a good album. I can't compare this album to the previous two albums because they are not in my possession. On “Ghosts” the band combines cinematic parts with heavy and aggressive guitar parts. I like the contrast of those two in a single composition. Beautiful delicate vocal parts and that great electric violin. It gives the music something special and I think the violin fits great into a progressive musical setting. Frequency Drift made a good album!
www.progvisions.nl/reviews_uk/fd_gh_uk.htm

The idea behind their cinematic prog rock is for you to conjure up in your own imagination the story, meaning and characters, just like when you read a book or hear a radio play you have your own vision and interpretation, which is why when you see the film it is often a massive disappointment because it does not match your own creation. For this reason they deliberately keep everything vague, there is no right and wrong way to interpret the songs, just your own way. The theme on this album is about the intangible phenomena that effect our lives, be they current or from our past, apart from that it is up to you to decide what they are about and how they relate to you, we all have different life stories. After a most unusual choice of opener, the reflective piano piece 'Crows', the first full song 'Dreams' shows their style, if you start with someone like Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree and then add a spot of melodic rock and Clannad Celtic, with an odd dash of avant garde, then you might get some idea. The songs grow organically, there is always a natural flow as they shift seamlessly from ambient and atmospheric to powerful and soaring, although you do get a some unexpected curve balls like the Ian Anderson esque flute solo in 'Dreams'. Like Pink Floyd or Karnataka they are never in a hurry to get anywhere, but just went you're getting all chilled out, WHOOMPH they take off, 'Tempest' being a perfect example as the song builds like a gathering storm.
www.ravenheartmusic.com/products-group-86.html

Ghosts is made up of eight tracks, five of which are eight-minutes or longer and as such offer a classic symphonic feel reminiscent of bands such as Sinkadus mixed with Iona. It’s the female vocals and violin that offer the most Celtic references. When the guitars come in I’m also reminded of bands like Mostly Autumn. The band’s previous cinematic approach to composition has been modified somewhat this time around as their use of electric guitar has increased giving the music more a rock edge. That said they still employ many of the compositional elements that they’re comfortable with. They let their music breathe giving lots of room for softer musical interludes which enhance the haunting quality of the band’s sound. A song will slide from moody and atmospheric to a mid-tempo Pink Floyd feel in a heartbeat. The bios on the band have referenced an affinity to music inspired by sci-fi movies like Bladerunner and that’s certainly most obvious with the introduction of “Tempest” [10:02] where the band manage to evoke much the same sense of loss that Vangelis did while Rachel in the movie was playing the piano. The band makes the tune their own at the 1:40 mark kicking it up a couple notches with the introduction of guitar, drums and bass. This is a song that drifts in and out of your consciousness, a musical technique that Frequency Drift is very good at. Ghosts is a fascinating release. It is without question a disc that falls into the progressive rock category being part symphonic and yet so much more. The use of violin, flutes and autoharp certainly add to the musical pallet and yet it is the haunting delivery of the tunes that will perhaps be the thing that draws you in. Frequency Drift has developed a very engaging sound that will appeal to wide cross-section of prog fans. There is much to appreciate and enjoy. I’d recommend you check’em out.
www.jerrylucky.com/reviews%20f-j_061.htm

The music they create is a blend of superb and atmospheric prog rock with girl vocals. Their music would probably be appreciated by fans of Karnataka, Magenta, Stream Of Passion or Clannad as well as general followers of classic rock. 'Ghosts' is their third album release and their first release for the 'progrock records' label. This release welcomes a new and superb vocalist, Antje Auer. The songs here are connected by the themes of things that haunt us, things that cannot be fully grasped and emotions that echo from the past. The opening track 'Crows' (complete with crow sound effects !!) sounds like autumn's lament to summer or a reflection on love long lost, the atmosphere captures me and transports me to a different place. 'Dreams' follows. A 12 minute prog epic that introduces us to the angelic yet powerful, ethereal and sublimely pure vox of Antje. Girlie vocals aren't everyone's bag, but if they are yours this is as good as it gets. Musically this song includes themes ranging from heavy metal to Jethro Tull driven flute passages. Further diversity is added with the extensive and expressive use of violin. 'Sadness' initially experiments with some processed vocals, which to me seem very out of place, before Antje resumes acoustic mode and adds a rougher edge to her vocals to suit this rockier and more guitar driven piece. 'Tempest' is beautifully atmospheric prog rock with a vague Celtic influence and a chorus that sucks you in immediately. 'Ringshine' provides a cinematic interlude and encourages reflection before 'Dance No More' , possibly the highlight of the album, seduces you with its metallic but atmospheric folk-prog-rock vibes. 'Mermaid' starts in a haunting manner with melody and atmosphere at a premium. "Teach me to hear the mermaid's song and tell me where it all went wrong, go and catch a falling star, then tell me not how things are". The song progresses into a heavier template climaxing with an aggressive Steve Howe inspired guitar solo and ends with haunting violin, electroharp and piano lines. The unusual use of electroharp throughout the album is in fact integral to the album's success.
www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=3907