What If? by Infinite Frequency

Infinite Frequency has produced their debut full length album What If and this album is surely not to leave you questioning, "What if this band does not succeed?" Infinite Frequency has created a remarkably impressive debut album that is sure to clear up any questions as to whether or not the band has what it takes to survive musically. It is not every day that you can find a debut album that sounds as though the amount of time, dedication, and talent that was put into the album follows suit with many bands' second, third or fourth album. Rather than simply test the waters with their debut album, Infinite Frequency has plunged into the world of electric pop rock and has done so with a truly tremendous album.

What If is a funky little album that focuses on the vocals of Franklin but is perfectly molded to the instrumental sound of the rest of the group. Each song has a very unique quasi-jazz, quasi-pop, quasi-rock sound to it, however, the album as a whole is not quasi-decent, rather, is simply amazing.

Infinite Frequency is comprised of Ian Franklin (vocals, guitars), Brandon McCarron (drums), Pat Speece (bass) and Jon Altman (piano, keyboard).

The album starts off nicely with the very first track, Venus Moon . Ian Franklin's voice quickly takes the forefront and the listener can clearly hear Franklin’s passion and his prowess in creating quality music. An interesting, and almost religious, feel is found on the track, probably in part to the unique backup vocals that form a refrain like sound on the track. The guitar, keys, and drums all form a very smooth and direct sound that is professional sounding and complements Franklin's vocals quite well.

Mr. Big Funk has a very fast and upbeat electric sound to the track. Some quick and flashy guitar playing finds its way throughout the entire track and the song conjures images of impassioned music fans dancing at an outdoor festival loving every minute of it. There is an awesome solo guitar rift that rocks in the second half of the track in which you simply cannot get your head to stop bobbing or your foot to stop tapping away.

This Struggle starts off with a slow and melancholy piano beat met with a wailing guitar sound. The track has an almost blues-like feel to it and Franklin seems to add a piece of himself to his singing on the track. The vocals and lyrics have been changed from some of the more upbeat previous tracks to a sound that matches the music and the intended feel of the track nicely. A despondent and perhaps lonely feel is evoked by this track and The Struggle allows listeners to realize that Infinite Frequency can perform more than one generic sound.

The title track of the album What If? (What Could Be) is a great way to close out the album and kudos to Infinite Frequency for placing this track in the right position on the album: right at the end. The track winds down the album nicely with a slow yet powerful sound. With a good portion of the album focused on upbeat and quicker sounds, What If? (What Could Be) closes out the album beautifully and leaves the listener yearning for Infinite Frequency's next album!

Track listing:

1. Venus Moon
2. I Feel Your Love
3. Mr. Big Funk
4. I'm Free
5. This Struggle
6. Was It Really Worth It?
7. Radiant
8. Still Malaise
9. Fly Away
10. On Track
11. What's The Difference
12. Sugar Honey
13. As One
14. What If? (What Could Be)

I have listened to far too many debut albums that unfortunately while serving as a band's debut also serve as the band’s demise. Fortunately, Infinite Frequency has stepped up to the plate and knocked a homerun of a debut album. Infinite Frequency has created an album that focuses on setting the band apart from "the rest" and instead focuses on maintaining a sound that is fresh and exciting. The fact that this album is a debut album is not something that should be shied away from, rather, the fact that an album this good is also Infinite Frequency's debut album only makes me want to listen to more Infinite Frequency in the very near future.

What If? was released on May 2, 2006 .

For more information about Infinite Frequency, check out their website at www.infinitefrequency.com.




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