first off. shifting the discussion to the production is great. isn't that what the forum is about?
secondly, i think the records are very different sounding. the only similarity is the band's approach to song writing. which even that changed A LOT from Frengers to And the Glass Handed Kites.
Frengers was produced, recorded and mixed by Rich Costey. Rich is pretty amazing and this record reflects that.
not only do you have tons of cool sounds all over the record, but his sensibilities as a mixer are hard to beat.
take Snow Brigade for example. the verses are very mono, the choruses are huge and very stereo. i suspect he's automating a lot of volume changes to get the choruses to explode, but he's also bringing in more tracks and effects.
the bass tones he gets just rule!
the second record was produced by michael beinhorn. again, another big time producer that knows what he's doing. this record is much airier, and lush with keyboards. something that made beinhorn a great choice considering his analog synth background.
the mixes aren't nearly as aggressive as Rich's, but they are realy good. my favorite moment in the record is in "special" after the first verse they do that pre chorus part and the guitars just blow out in stereo. nothing really changes mix-wise, but the guitars just get so wide......it's awesome.
both records are great, but i think Frengers is better sounding.
just don't forget that they have done both records with A-list producers. that certainly can't hurt.
i'd love to hear them work with Rich again, or Tchad Blake. the band's direction into odd arrangements and interesting sounds pushes them to more vibey producers and mixers.
michell froom would be awesome too.