After purchasing "And the Glass Handed Kites" and, admittedly, listening to it every day for two months straight, I thought it might be prudent for my future enjoyment of the album to put it down for awhile. Within days, I was missing Mew. To combat this feeling, I resisted the urge to put "And the Glass Handed Kites" back in the player, and instead ordered "Frengers." After all, in my initial research of Mew's oeuvre, I found several tunes that I liked that were not on that recording.

"Frengers" is easily as strong a recording as "And the Glass Handed Kites," but for different reasons. Undoubtedly, fans of one will like the other, as they share the same overall aesthetic. However, in comparison, "Frengers" has some significantly distinguishing characteristics. Most importantly, "Frengers" is not bound by the conventions associated with the "conceptual album." While "And the Glass Handed Kites" is probably the more mature effort of the two, "Frengers" may be a better introduction to the group, as it is more single-friendly. Succinctly, if I were to introduce someone to Mew, I would undoubtedly suggest "156," followed by "Snow Brigade." In both of these tunes, they are able to reference the epic scope of their vision in a succinct format.

While these songs stand out to me as an individual, I genuinely like all the other songs on "Frengers." Unbound by the conventions of the "conceptual album," "Frengers" shows Mew's ability to encapsulate, and therefore show the strengths of their short-form works. While "And the Glass Handed Kites" inarguably shows that they have the ability to sustain a conceptual narrative, "Frengers" is an example of the potential strength of their singles.

The Lowdown: "Frengers" is the middle ground. Mew pushes the boundaries between accessibility and experimentalism, and I see "Frengers" as a transitional album in the tradition of Yes' "Drama" and Genesis' "And Then There Were Three." I foresee great things for them in the future if they continue to push the envelope.

Wow - This is easily the best album of the year. I have owned Frengers for almost a week, and there is nothing like it. I mean you can compare little bits of brilliance to other bands, but really what's the point. I will say there is a certain shoegaze element that seems to shine through many of the songs, which I favor strongly. My only regret is that I didn't knwo about this band 4 years ago when I could buy their previous releases under $100.00. I saw the debut disc go for $300.00 on eBay...Honestly, after listening to Frengers, I can see the obsession infecting me soon.

..thus 'Frengers' was born. Mew is one of the most unique bands I know of, there is really no one who sounds like them. Jonas Bjerre, the lead singer, has a very feminine, light voice, but it never sounds small or overwhelmed, even though many of the songs have an epic, stadium like sound.. such as the stirring intro 'Am I Wry? No.'

Towards the middle are a couple of slower songs that are not quite up to par with the rest of the album. 'Her Voice Is Beyond Her Years' and 'Symmetry' feature guest vocals from Stina Nordenstam and Becky Jarrett respectively. They add some nice variety, but unfortunately when Jonas sings, it sounds as if he is holding back so he does not dominate them.

But these are only minor complaints as the songs still sound very good. Give it a listen, if you want something new and fresh, you will not be disappointed.

Frengers is a showcase of Mew's unique sound... Each song takes you on a journey, and surprises you. Excellent!

I do not remember why I chose to buy this album. I had never heard Mew's music, nor had I ever heard of the band itself. I had some free music points in my BMG account, so I took a chance.

In my massive catalog of music, there is no other album to which I have listened more. I cannot begin to tell you the magnitude to which I enjoy this album. For as long as I have owned this album (about 2 months or so), I have listened to it every day. Sometimes, I listen to it more than once per day by virtue of the fact that it never seems to get old.

I recommend this album in the strongest way possible.