NEW TEXTURES
20 YEARS OF MATURITY AND THE TEXTURES OF THE NEW ALBUM FROM GROUP «FRAMEST»
I believe many of us were pleasantly surprised by the media reports last December when the vocal group «Framest» broke nearly seven years of creative silence to announce a new single. They further boosted the Latvian music news cycle by revealing not only a new album for 2025 but also the group’s 20th anniversary. Their projects are always a surprise, both aurally and visually, offering new colors and that unique a cappella charm and musical aesthetic that belongs only to them.
One thing is certain: while there may have been a pause in the life of «Framest», the same cannot be said for its members. The lineup remains a steady force of five musically eclectic personalities: Rūta Dūduma-Ķirse, Beāte Zviedre, Mikus Abaroniņš, Jānis Ķirsis, and Roberts Memmēns. Having followed each of them over the years, I can safely say their creative range is vast. Like you, I am intrigued to hear what these artists have to say collectively in the eight compositions of their new album, titled «2.0» — let’s listen together!
Track-by-Track Impressions
«Pasaki to skaļi» (Say It Out Loud): The opening track defines the album’s contours — multilayered, intelligent pop music. It features clear musical phrases, melodic hooks, and masterfully (yet subtly) arranged polyphony, staying true to the a cappella tradition. We also hear a fresh stylistic vocal color in Mikus Abaroniņš’s solo section, a side of his voice we don’t often encounter.
«Vēlmes» (Desires): This track begins with a groovy bass riff that sets the stylistic tone. Rūta Dūduma-Ķirse’s «tasty» delivery of the chorus ensures it sticks in your ears long after the song ends. The lyrics are modern, witty, and accessible — credit goes to authors Dagnis Roziņš and Roberts Memmēns, whose work shines throughout the album.
«Maņu konstrukcija» (Construction of Senses): This song opens with spoken-word keywords before transitioning into a sensual unison melody decorated with backing vocals. It develops harmonically and rhythmically, leading to an unexpected modulation at the finish.
«Solījums» (The Promise): If the previous tracks signaled a new stylistic direction, this song reflects the internal pulse and light we have come to associate with «Framest». The chord progressions, melodic flow, and dramaturgy highlight the group’s best traditions — masterfully reminded to us by the song’s author and producer, Jānis Ķirsis.
«Tukšā dūšā» (On an Empty Stomach): A surprise track and the only one featuring an outside collaborator. Here, a cappella meets hip-hop, and it turns out they suit each other quite well — the rapper Gustavo and «Framest». Be prepared: the groovy, repetitive «tukšā dūšā» refrain is hard to shake from your memory.
«KUŠ» (HUSH): We hear Beāte Zviedre in an unusual light, where her melodic rhymes play in contrast with the noticeably dramatic patterns of the chorus.
«Pirmais sniegs» (First Snow) & «Vien nieciņu paglabā» (Save Just a Bit): The aftertaste of the final two tracks leads us toward the year-end holidays — a time of silence and light. «Framest» has hit the bullseye here; it’s already public knowledge that four «Framest at Christmas» concerts are scheduled for December.
Conclusion
This is an enjoyable a cappella pop album featuring fresh, infectious melodies. A clear sense of maturity is felt across many facets of the artists of «Framest». Thank you for these new textures, and here’s to many more successful years!