Frog embrace musical repetition with 1000 Variations on the Same Song
New York duo Frog returns with 1000 Variations on the Same Song, their sixth album and follow-up to 2023’s critically praised Grog. Released via Audio Antihero and Tapewormies, the record leans into an eclectic mix of indie rock, alt-country, and folk while exploring a unique structural concept.
Produced by: Daniel Bateman
As the title suggests, 1000 Variations on the Same Song takes a thematic approach to songwriting, embracing the idea that many compositions start from similar ideas and evolve into distinct yet connected pieces. Across the album, Daniel Bateman references everything from My Chemical Romance to Gucci to New York’s 6 Train, all while drawing sonic inspiration from a wildly eclectic range of artists—including Mozart, Kodak Black, and Prince. However, as Bateman himself admits, “It doesn’t really sound like any of those.”
Musically, the album finds Frog moving between their well-worn alt-country leanings and new sonic territory. Tracks like ‘TOP OF THE POPS VAR. I’ and ‘DOOMSCROLLING VAR. II’ echo the jagged indie rock of their earlier work, while songs like ‘WHERE U FROM VAR. III’ and ‘ARTHUR MCBRIDE VAR. X’ recall the twangy textures of Count Bateman and Grog. Meanwhile, ‘JUST USE YOUR HIPS VAR. VI’ and the recent holiday single ‘DID SANTA COME VAR. IX’ introduce a smoky, lounge-like atmosphere into their repertoire, expanding the band’s sonic palette.
Explaining the album’s core concept, Bateman notes:
“1000 Variations on the Same Song is a theme and variations—there are times in your life as a songwriter where you’ll start a bunch of stuff that all sounds alike, which can be a problem, something that you want to excise from yourself. This time, I decided to embrace it and take it as far as it could go.”
Following their return from hiatus, Frog have not only received renewed critical acclaim but have also sold out multiple shows in the Tri-state area. With a North American tour set to begin in March—featuring Frog co-founder Tom White on bass—the band is gearing up for their widest-reaching performances yet. 1000 Variations on the Same Song reaffirms Frog’s distinct, off-kilter charm while embracing the creative constraints that come with writing, rewriting, and reshaping the same musical idea.
Standout Songs: ‘STILLWELL THEME,’ ‘DOOMSCROLLING VAR. II,’ ‘HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV,’ and ‘MIXTAPE LINER NOTES VAR. VII.’
Release Date: February 14
7.1
We’ve covered Frog previously: ‘HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV,’ ‘JUST USE YOUR HIPS VAR. VI,’ and ‘MIXTAPE LINER NOTES VAR. VII.’
Connect with Frog:
We’re an independent, ad-free music publication, and we rely on the support of readers like you to keep things running. If you enjoy what we do, consider buying us a beer—every contribution helps us stay focused on bringing you quality music news without the clutter.
More music reviews from the team at The Daily Music Report can be found here.