Album Review

---

The Frothy Green Stools

​The Frothy Green Stools

self-released 2017

3.8 out of 5

By Jay Freeman - Divide & Conquer 2/2/2018

Who would of (sic) ever thought that a group of students from Lincoln College, Oxford would still be making music, long after their first gig for a party back in January of 1972. Greater still, the musical chemistry they had and continue to have together took them to places like Liverpool, Newcastle and London and appearing with bands such as Supertramp, Mungo Jerry, Shakin’ Stevens and Chicken Shack. Even though the three original members have been in and out of various side bands through the decades, The Frothy Green Stools have finally put out a full-length album – and it only took 45 years! The re-formed “Frothies”, as they are affectionately known, have teamed up with Raf Zeballos, a seasoned jazz drummer from Argentina for their self-titled debut The Frothy Green Stools.

The opening number is a straightforward, cruising on the open road, kind of song. Jem Coombes, the lead vocalist sings about “a tank full of gas and a perfect state of mind” –a perfect song for summer, (which seems like it’ll never come), at least from my window. “Little Black Dress” has a hip ‘60s sound and suggests that a dress can do a lot to change one’s state of mind. “California Nights” is about lonely nights spent without the one you love but then, making up your mind to try and get back to that special someone by Greyhound bus. “Doctor Green” is a fun one featuring a blues progression with plenty of wackiness and a funky beat. It kind of reminded me of some Beatles, off-the-wall numbers. A catchy sing-a-long and guitar solo can be heard towards the end. I personally would not trust a Doctor with the last name of “Green” but I’m probably just taking this song too seriously.

“Lost Souls” has a sort of Mama and Papas flavor to it or some of the folky-psychedelic bands from the ‘60s. The lyrics are humorous, and humorously sung. Musically, the song has a great twisting beat, while the solo guitar puts out a mesmerizing Steely Dan quality. “Four Days” shows off a harder edge from the band with a nice addition of the cowbell. Fantastic power chords are played along with a plunky bass line. The song has a serious message – “ you’ve got four days to save your life” but I’m not sure what the reason is, but the heart beat sound at the end is clever. “Transatlantic” thinks back to a simpler time in one’s life in the style of a pop ballad. “Chasing The Light” reminded me of the band Sweet or Slade because of its classic rock-pop sound (but for some reason “This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide” by The Kings came to mind).

“Stop the Action” is another serious tune with some rather introspective lyrics: “I wish I could make time stand still” and “There’s a whole (sic) in the sky where the sun used to be.” This one reminded me of The Moody Blues. “The Weather Song” has a guitar riff that immediately made me think of classic KISS or Cheap Trick, but I don’t think either of those had a song with weather in its title. Naturally, this one was a favorite because I was a die hard KISS back in the day (original line up only, for those who are curious as to which era I’m talking about). Moving on, I absolutely loved the beat of “Broken Dreams” and how it progresses gradually with each instrument dropping in and coming together. It’s tinged with some Beatles-like vocal harmonies and an encouraging message that even though your dreams of love have been shattered, perhaps you’ll find someone new someday.

“Living A Lie” is a funkier, new wave tune that is quite danceable. It features a very catchy guitar riff and breaking drum beat. The last number, “Long Way Home” is a terrific ending to this album. It starts off with some distorted guitar mixed with acoustic and a rolling beat. The lyrics are personal and universal and the harmonious backing vocals really round out the song well. The arrangement is great and I loved the marching beat at the end, too. This was an enjoyable, classic rock n' roll album to listen to from a group of guys who I’m sure have schmoozed with some the best acts in music. I raise my glass to these veterans, wishing them well and that it doesn’t take them another 45 years for their next release.