RETROGRADE – This Frequency We Share

To most people, Retrograde is still an unknown act from Canada, despite the fact that they are pretty huge in their native country. This Frequency We Share is the second full-length album from this foursome, which first got released in Canada in September 2005, and October in Europe by the Swedish label Atenzia Records. Several tracks from their CD have appeared on some television shows, like America’s Next Top Model and MTV’s America Or Busted.

“Letting Go” is the first single out, and there is no time to waste. Retrograde means business. This song is very energetic, not in a heavy kind of way –- but it still rocks. It’s got a catchy chorus and great guitar riffs, so it is a sing-along track where the drums probably contribute to at least half of the intensity … but maybe it is a bit too commercial?

Another highlight is “Digging The Dirt.” This is a Rock song in a Pop-ish kind of way. The lead vocals sound so emotional and intense, it fits perfectly. The first of two bonus tracks on the album, “Into The Obvious,” could easily be the best song on this release. The verses are quite beautiful, and the vocals in the chorus are very effective. It is truly an inventive, atmospheric journey. This song really proves that Retrograde can write decent music.

Even though this is not a very heavy album, they’ve got a couple of songs which touch a bit into the heavy zone, like “Worth The Wait” and the album title track “This Frequency We Share.” Toby Hulse screams so intensely that it almost sounds like he is losing his voice!!!

This release may not be a triumph, but it is still a decent album with plenty of great songs. Retrograde do show quite a few sparks of talent, and there are several moments on the album where they create a welcome atmosphere, and this is because the songs’ subjects do matter to most people. If they will be a hit in Europe is hard to predict, but since this is a commercial release it is possible. This album is a nice blend of thick guitar riffs and catchy melodies, which features chunky drum and bass interaction, and builds up momentum towards the big choruses!

This Frequency We Share was recorded at Matchbox Studios in Texas, produced by Dwight Baker, and mastered in Los Angeles by Dave Collins (Queens of the Stone Age, No Doubt).

Lineup

Toby Hulse – lead vocals, guitar
Ben Hulse – drums
Mark Lazeski – vocals, bass
Brendan Stoneman – guitar