On August 29th, Cult New York-based band Frog announced THE COUNT, their seventh album, with the “BITTEN BY MY LOVE VAR. XI” single. The new record was released on September 19th, preceded by the “SPANISH ARMADA VAR. XV” (September 5th) and “SAX-A-MA-PHONE VAR. XII” (September 12th) singles. Following February’s 1000 Variations on the Same Song, Daniel Bateman and brother Steve (drums/percussion) offer another ten variations, locking into a style and sound, stretching its limitations, and exploring the possibilities.
“SAX-A-MA-PHONE VAR. XII,” the final single before THE COUNT was released to the public, is a warm, off-kilter, lo-fi walk through breezy melodies and heartfelt songwriting. With a soulful waltz that evokes familiarity while maintaining a raw singularity, the duo craft a highlight from a refreshing album, and “SAX-A-MA-PHONE VAR. XII” is just the start. The quaint vocals dance with the piano melodies in a captivating fashion, with nimble footwork and unassuming yet grandiose twirls. With a rolling piano melody that anchors the ever-evolving vocals to reality, Frog paints a sultry narrative of longing from an impure perspective, but the band uses this twisted love story to create something beautiful. “SAX-A-MA-PHONE VAR. XII” bridges the gap between lost lovers and the many lofty sonic visions Frog is able to muster up, all in one subtly jazzy piece of indie rock.
