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| The Frank CD review:BLACKFALDS REVISITED By: Dan Brisebois
Formed in '97, they've paid their dues and earned a name for themselves by serving what's arguably one of the most energetic live shows on the circuit today. Along with being featured on several independent compilations and outside projects, they practically own central Alberta. They've shared the stage at some of the province's biggest festivals with some of Canada's other hottest names, including Default, Headstones and Carson Cole. It was their chance meeting with Cole at 2004's Big Ass Border Bash in Cold Lake, Alberta that's led to The Frank's fifth independent release, BLACKFALDS REVISITED. An all-out assault on your senses, Cole took the band under his wing in the "Chicken Coup," and the result is easily one of the best new releases of the year. The title track is actually a carry-over from a previous release, as are "Lost The Best", "In Your Head" and "Lost Cause". Cole's polishing of the songs is indicative of his input with the band as a whole that's matured The Frank. His experience has given the band the confidence to expand their sound and break new ground with numbers like "Slick Your Hair Back". Sort of a revved-up, blues-based rockabilly number, the slide guitar work and campy percussion prove The Frank break any barricades of being labeled. The driving energy of originals like "Coupons," "Lost The Best," and "Driving" pulsates through your veins and lets you know Canadian rock is doing live and well. They showcase the dual guitar attack of Swainson & Page, some of the most spirited fret work on the scene today, and are indicative of the entire album, and the band in general. Along with "Whiskey," "Black Coffee" and "Get Out," the band's maturity has come full circle. Updated versions of Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" and Neil Young's classic "Cinnamon Girl" are a perfect example of the band's versatility and wide range of influence. "Cinnamon Girl" in fact is only one of a number of tracks that just have to be played loud, and often. The Frank have raised the bar with BLACKFALDS REVISITED, and is a hard act to follow, making them bona-fide contenders as "the next big thing." They're ready for the next level. And a year from now I'll be saying BLACKFALDS REVISITED was one of the best independent discs of the year. |
The Frank are beyond a shadow of a doubt one of Alberta's hottest unsigned talents. Hailing from Red Deer, the band's founders Denver Swainson and Sara Page handle guitars, and are rounded out with Will Gilgan on drums and bassist Joe Miller.