The Album Reviews:

	Title: The Sense Apparatus Artist: Frantic Bleep Label: The End Records Release Date: 2/8/05	Judgment Committee Reviews	Rating
			3
			4
			4
Read the Metal Update Interview Official Web Site for this Artist Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board Submit/Read Reader Reviews of this Album

Abyss's Review:
There's little question that this isn't really my type of thing. Frantic Bleep play a mellow progressive type of music that fans of Porcupine Tree probably love. And like Porcupine Tree, I can't say I really like this act all this much, but I understand why others might.

"One word review: Interesting."

This album engages me in fits and starts. Some of the musicianship is stunning, intertwining technical prowess and a unique artistic vision. There are parts of this disc that exemplify the best aspects of bands like Floyd and Yes, and yet this band also has the subtle flavorings of Mike Patton, especially the late eras of both Mr. Bungle and Faith No More. This isn't so much in respect to the vocals, but in the interesting arrangements and avant-garde atmosphere. It is in these respects that I really like this band. Especially on songs like "...But A Memory" and my personal fave, "Curtainraiser." These are the marks of a band that are not only accomplished musicians but songwriters as well.
All that being said, there are also large portions of this album in which I find myself bored. I often find my mind drifting when the music does. There are numerous songs that seem to go nowhere, and even if they do I can't deny that I simply don't like them. When the good and the bad are summed up, I find that I'm still on the fence with regard to this band. They're genius flirting with monotony.
There is no doubt this is a good album, possibly a great album depending on your personal preferences. Again, I'm not really into this type of thing, and the fact that I'm engaged at all may have a lot to say for this band. One word review: Interesting.

Death's Review:

"The Sense Apparatus is moodily experimental, frenetic and intense."
How does one sum up a band as original as Frantic Bleep? Frantic Bleep are a cool, quirky three-piece from Norway, playing extreme, progressive death metal with a dark and crazy artwork/lyrical overlay. The Sense Apparatus is moodily experimental, frenetic and intense, with just enough of a "math metal" element to justify the band's name; fans of Death and Cynic should take note, as should anyone who thinks that combining Amorphis, Dillinger Escape Plan, Type O Negative, Dream Theater, Neurosis and Cephalic Carnage into one unit might be a good idea. Heightening the overall creativity factor is the elaborate packaging which features multiple diagrams and text that give rise to the lyrics of this highly original concept album. All in all, this is definitely something different, and definitely something that you have to commit to before you can truly appreciate it.

Hel's Review:
I had never heard of Frantic Bleep until I read the Metal Update interview. As a good interview should, it piqued my interest, and I decided I needed to hear this. For me, it was definitely a good call. I enjoy the occasional prog band, particularly when they feature interesting and/or unconventional songwriting and impressive musicianship. Frantic Bleep certainly meets these criteria.

"Finding a band that is refreshing and unique in their approach is a rare treat."

The Sense Apparatus paints a picture of contrast, with abundant time signature changes and stylistic shifts. A jazz feel permeates most of the album, with a combination of slower, sedate parts with clean vocals and heavier, guitar driven sections with growls giving the compositions an eclectic tone. This is not just a collection of songs, it is a complete work in which the songs and artwork meld to convey an experience beyond what your average recording provides.
As metal and metal-related music continues to gain popularity, the inevitable proliferation of similar sounding bands grows accordingly. Finding a band that is refreshing and unique in their approach is a rare treat, and I have found this in Frantic Bleep. My time with this album has been a pleasant diversion, and I look forward to seeing what they might accomplish in the future. If you enjoy a jazzy prog style with contrasting mellow and heavy parts, then you might find Frantic Bleep to your liking.

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