2/2/25.
I really think, especially now, it's important to celebrate and acknowledge happy times. I'm smiling as I listen to the two songs off the new offering from New York's Frog, "1000 Variations on the Same Song". Daniel and Steve Bateman are back (fairly quickly) after 2023's "Grog". I'm also going to get the chance to see them soon - March 23 at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco.
Few bands have enthralled me like Frog over the past 3 years. Some of there songs literally make me stop what I'm doing and pay complete attention. PItchfork called them alt-country. I couldn't disagree more. Yes, sometimes there songs employ banjos and acoustic guitars. And Bateman's wordplay can remind one of Townes Van Zandt, but come on.
To me, they have a very unique sound. I think they are in the universe of Animal Collective, Pavement and The Flaming Lips.
Audio Antihero is releasing this. This label, with yeoman efforts from Jamie Halliday, keeps churning out consistently great music. Check out Ciao Malz (unfortunately no physical release) - has a Mega Bog feel to it.
