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Posted by IE in Around Hear, Monthly (Monday October 31, 2005 at 3:20 pm)
On Foundation, Frequency Below certainly don’t shy away from flaunting their versatility as they ambitiously zigzag from rock to reggae and everything in between. Their output sounds most cohesive, though, when they go the playful yet chilled-out route like on “Monday Morning.” Here, lead singer Caroline Yohanan’s harmonious vocals coolly glide atop the trip-hop drum patters and easygoing guitar riffs and basslines. While this quartet is aiming to please as many listeners as possible, narrowing their focus a bit would only be beneficial. (www.frequency below.com)
– Max Herman
- Illinois Entertainer
Frequency Below
Foundation- 2005
Reviewed By Jeff Tiny Elvis
http://bpfl0.tripod.com/indierevue/
http://www.myspace.com/tinyelvisofradio
Band Members Caroline Yohanan -Vocals, Armando Perez -Guitar/Vocals, William A. Ocasio -Drums, Ryan Schoen -Bass
This is quite the talented 4-some hailing from Chicago, IL. With a laundry list of credentials and experience blanketing each member you can only imagine the sound that they create as a single entity. There are many styles and genres that are attended to on this album but they don't stray too far into obscurity. Meaning that the genres that Frequency Below tackle range from trip-hop to Bluesy to Soulful with a touch of funk. All of Which are done up quite well and deal up what is the slick Identity of the band. The structures of each song are quite complex but free moving and open to improv in concert. Yet they capture that live feel with this well recorded full length "Foundation". This Foundation is indeed structurally sound with Ryan Schoen on Bass and William A. Ocasio on Drums. They bring forth such a wonderful groove in track 6 "Chula's Dream and track 7's "Monday Morning". If they were the only shining stars amongst the band that would be enough but they have more than just that to offer. The voice and delivery of Caroline Yohanan gives me that feeling of Beth Orton (Portishead) and a bit of Fiona Apple. Her vocal range is amazing and fits nicely in the complex but open style of this band.
The Guitar Work of Armando Perez is yet another perk that tickles your ears in rhythm but especially when in lead. Tracks 8 and 9 on this album are brilliant down tempo instrumentals. Track 9 "Fausto's Afternoon" presents a wondrously meandering trip hop feel. Track 10, "Sweet Like Candy" and "Fool Me Once" are the shining star's on this album. Lyrics that stick in your head coupled with those unique and powerful talents mentioned above. I believe that they are originals but there is such a familiarity when you hear them that you feel that you have heard them before. All track's on this album have that sensation that make's your body yearn to move and that in itself is difficult to obtain and present. Other tracks I thought were attention capturers' were "Lover's Lament", "Music Box", and "Shorty Rock". In the Press pack of Frequency Below they make mention that the good people of Chicago love when they do covers. Now if I am to understand that the songs that they have given me to review are originals then It would be a great dis-service to both the band and the listening public if they didn't play these songs. The songs in themselves and the talent that this foursome empowers are enough to make anyone pick up their heads and take note and in this case dance as well. In the same their own material Is better than any cover one could demand live. If you don't have this album yet go and get it you will be very pleased to hear it on a warm summers eve.
RIYL: Fiona Apple, Beth Orton, Natalie Merchant, 10,000 Maniac's, Jesus and Mary Chain
- Jeff Tiny Elvis
Discography
"Foundation" is the debut album FB.
We are currently recording our second disc and playing new material at shows.
Foundation is the available at: www.frequencybelow.com and CD Baby!
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
This band has been writing and performing honest music for the past three years. With a strong interest in songwriting, the group has excelled in the field with charismatic live performances and relatable material. Geared to complete their second full-length independant release, Frequency Below is sure to continue their ascent through Chicago's well rounded and musically diverse local scene.
...and here is a word from Encyclopedia Brittanica!
(a word about the individual members)
Caroline (vocals):
Coming from a family of singers, music has been a part of Caroline Yohanan’s life since birth. Caroline writes all of her own vocal lines and lyrics, except when performing the poetics of another band member. She sings resonant melodies, pairs with Armando to create harmonies, and loves to incorporate jazz scat lines. Engaging in everything from funk and hip-hop to rock n’ roll, Caroline relishes in Frequency Below’s improvisational skills and musical diversity.
Armando (guitar):
Both acoustic and electric. He often joins Caroline on vocals, creating rich and compelling harmonies. Armando's playing blends jazz, funk, rock, and trip-hop. Proficient in composition, he creates and arranges much of the band's music. Recording, engineering, and production are managed by his experience in the studio.
Ryan (double bass):
He began his musical training by playing trombone and double bass in his grade school band and orchestra. He is currently the principal bass player for the Classical Symphony Orchestra in Chicago. Ryan’s musical capacity includes piano, violin, cello, melodica.
Dan (drums):
Having studied jazz and modern drumming techniques in New Orleans, Dan is a proficient musician and composer. His unique approach to the drums is evident in the rythmatic execution and creative directon. His aim is to make the funkiest dancable live experience possible.
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