Description
“The Centre Cannot Hold” is the fifth studio album by Ben Frost. Recorded over a ten-day period by Steve Albini in Chicago, the album showcases a refined and subtler approach compared to its predecessor, “A U R O R A” from 2014. It also marks a more personal statement from Frost, who is known for his film score work on projects such as “Music From Fortitude” and “The Wasp Factory.” Collaborating with musicians Skuli Sverrisson, Nico Muhly, Daniel Lea, and Shahzad Ismaily, and receiving production assistance from Lawrence English, Paul Corley, Daniel Rejmer, and Valgeir Sigurðsson, Ben Frost takes on the roles of actor, writer, and director in creating his own unique album-cum-movie.
“The Centre Cannot Hold” presents a melancholic vision of modern ambient and neo-classical storytelling, drawing inspiration from industrial, post-rock, and noise influences. The album’s opening tracks, “Threshold Of Faith” and “Ionia,” were released as singles and provide a glimpse into the other eight songs on the album. These tracks traverse the dynamic realms of post-dubstep, atmospheric storm systems, and sprawling NIN/Cortini-esque soundscapes. From the crystalline ice caves of “All That You Love Will Be Eviscerated” to the epic and intense “Entropy In Blue,” Frost captures a range of emotions, including apocalyptic rage and despair, reminiscent of enduring the harsh Icelandic winter without toilet paper.
Despite the emotional depth of the album, Frost’s production remains accessible and captivating, akin to the allure of the northern lights. For an optimal experience, one could listen to “The Centre Cannot Hold” after watching an episode of “Game of Thrones,” reflecting on the blend of fantastical elements and visceral storytelling.
