In Space is the first Edith Frost record in 20 years. Frost sequestered herself for long periods, but it grew isolating. The world has changed drastically in these 20 years, and Edith is here to address such changes with her wry warmth. She is a bit of an enigma to me. She has so much to say, offering little vignettes with sparse arrangements and skeletal lyrics, yet her songs are suffused with emotion.
On this new release, Mark Greenberg, alongside longtime Frost A&R man Rian Murphy, brought fresh arrangement ideas to complement the strange-new-world vibe of Edith’s songs. Recorded at The Loft in Chicago, with invaluable contributions from Jim Becker (Califone, Air Blue Gowns), Sima Cunningham (Finom, formerly OHMME), Bill MacKay and Jeff Ragsdale, In Space feels like a lost treasure of an album, one we desperately need in these troubled times. During her time away, music was always a constant, and she became a keyboard player! Song textures and her sonic palette have shifted, as evidenced by this song suite. There is an expansiveness to this work, and Edith takes her time on all these songs.
‘Another Year’ is luminous and haunting, with a far distant sound that could be the wind. I think of it as the passage of time, that no matter what happens there is always a new day dawning. Frost refers to getting safely home, and she addresses her time away in abstract terms. Her voice is soft and comforting, a balm to the senses. ‘Nothing Come Around’ is more upbeat and direct, ‘’what ever happened to my world’’? I like the energy here, despite the somewhat downcast lyrics. ‘What a Drag’ is another pretty tune with a somewhat off kilter cadence. ‘Hold On’ has a countrified feel with swell harmonies, and could be a single. I also like ‘Can’t Sleep’, with ringing 12 string guitar and Edith’s sweet voice. ‘Back Again’ has a confessional, 70s feel that I find very appealing, a departure from the other songs.
‘In Space’ is beautiful, with banjo and organ adding a musical filigree, turning it into almost a late 60s psych folk tune. ‘Little Sign’ is another possible single with some of Frost’s best vocal work on this record. ‘Something About the War’ and ‘The Bastards’ both hit home with what is happening in the world. The former has a beautiful arrangement, which really makes the song shine. ‘The Bastards’ doesn’t call out anyone specific, but you don’t have to look too hard to find a suitable target. ‘Time To Bloom’ is a shade darker than its title, while the final ‘I Still Love You’ is a fine song to end the record. In summary, In Space is a departure from Frost’s earlier work and can take a few spins to seep into your senses, but once it grabs hold, you are treated to a fine addition to her body of work. Don’t make us wait another 20 years for the next one, Edith!
