Though they have put out four studio albums to date, according to their fans, the Frames are a band that has to be experienced live to be truly appreciated. 

Fans of the Frames (and there are many) were so appreciative of the bands’ latest offering, Set List, that it debuted at number one on the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) charts: no small feat for an independent band, no matter how many years they’ve been on the scene. 

The album, released in Ireland on May 16, 2003, begins with the sound of applause from an enthusiastic crowd and crashes headlong into the furious guitar of the now-famous anthem "Revelate." From the start, the energy of the album is infectious: the crowd, the band, the songs all play an integral part in making the album the success that it is. 

Set List is infused both with moments of thunderous crowd participation, urged on by frontman Glen Hansard, and hushed admiration as Hansard’s vocals seem to pierce the very hearts of the people listening. 

In some songs, Hansard seems fragile, pushing the crowd away with the stunning ferocity of his guitar playing and simultaneously soft vocalization of lyrics like "and there’s a note I found reminding me not to wait: that you’d come and look for me, but not to wait." 

In other songs, Hansard seems strong, very sure of where he stands, and draws the crowd in close. They sing together, in step with one another for every subtle inflection: "and lay me down in the hallowed ground. Down by your side I will stay" 

That being said, it is the subtle nature of all the musicians involved that makes Set List remarkable. There are no theatrics, just uncomplicated, but gorgeous melodies, rhythms, and arrangements. 

Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s violin is a welcome element throughout the album, but especially on "Star Star," while Joe Doyle’s backing vocals add dimension and depth. Dave Hingerty (on drums and brilliant as always) and Rob Bochnik (a guitarist and the newest member) fill out the remaining spots. 

The only thing that could improve Set List (or any live album, for that matter) is if the stories at the beginning of the songs had been put on separate tracks. On the first few listens, the stories are entertaining (particularly on "What Happens"), but after awhile, you simply want to get to the music. It is a small complaint. 

Filled with old favorites like "Fitzcarraldo" (complete with an amp that catches on fire), "Star Star," "God Bless Mom," "Santa Maria," and "Pavement Tune," Set List contains some of the most memorable versions of Frames’ songs that have been recorded to date. And if "The Blood," a newer tune and one of the best songs on the album, is any indication of the direction of the next Frames album, the band might yet get the recognition they deserve. "And I wonder what they’d say now if we went all the way" 
 

(Note: Tucked within the folds of the cd case, the note "for Mic" makes its point well. It is at once powerful and understated, like the Frames, themselves.) 

-- Angela Wade