Frantik

Description

Frantik is the fifth studio album by the British electronic dance music combo The World Wide Message Tribe, independently released in the UK on Movation in 1999, marketed and distributed in Europe by Alliance Music. Also released on Resolve Records in the US the following year (featuring a different track list), a division of Ministry Music, distributed by Diamante Music Group. The album was produced by Zarc Porter.

In all of the time since WWMT took a long hike, every new album has brought a musical leap that has kept the band at the forefront of Christian dance music, and so I eagerly anticipated this new album. However I have to admit to the merest hint of disappointment. As usual Zarc’s production is top class, as usual all the performances are slick, sharp and on the button. In terms of technical approach and performance this is faultless, but somewhere something’s missing! The band have opted for a dance pop approach with the emphasis on pop so this is less adventurous than previous releases. There are some fun moments like «Eat The Word» which has the characteristic Tribe sense of humour. However there is nothing as interesting as «Messiah» or anything as hard hitting as «Hypocrite» or «Heatseeker». Instead the title track feels like a remake of «Lift It» and sanctified girl power is set to take over Manchester with «Girl Of God» – good move! «Love Is The Greatest» sees things taking an upturn with Deronda Lewis letting loose. Whilst there are a pile of catchy songs here, lyrically, there’re occasional cheesy lyrics which means that this can never be a totally classic album. It’s interesting to hear a cover of Arthur Baker’s «Message Of Love», and dba’s Robbie has done a great job on remixing «Frantik». «Joy Dayz» is a groovy slab of funk with sunny feel, and it’s good to hear the girls in the Tribe step up to the mic and rap. The slower «I Give You My Life» sounds like a fresh altar call song. Overall though, there’s a certain sense of deja vu about this set. Recording critically acclaimed albums will always be second on the agenda for the Tribe to trying to make sure that every kid in Manchester hears the Gospel. For that I can only continue to applaud the guys. Polished dance pop, well-presented. But if you’re expecting a groundbreaking project you’re going to be disappointed. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 1999]

CD tracklist:

01. Frantik – 3:14
02. Truth – 3:59
03. Got To Be With You – 3:49
04. Eat The World – 2:39
05. I’ll Be There – 4:03
06. Girl Of God – 3:02
07. Love Is The Greatest – 3:19
08. Message Of Love – 4:04
09. Joy Dayz – 3:42
10. I Give You My Life – 5:14
11. Frantik Re-mix – 6:57
12. Truth Re-mix – 6:30