By turning mundane observations into poignant reflections, “HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV” is Frog at its most lyrically vivid. This is perhaps my favourite song from 1000 Variations on the Same Song (out on February 14th) and it’s certainly one of the album’s most compelling listens.
Delivering lyrics that are sharp yet heartfelt, Daniel Bateman’s wit and emotional depth shine as he seamlessly intertwines themes of domesticity and yearning. Frog’s wonderful alt-country roots are evident in the song’s warm instrumentation, but there’s a restless energy simmering beneath the surface that makes it feel simultaneously grounded yet untamed.
The subtle tension of this duality sits just below the surface of “HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV” and makes one feel as if they are wrestling with their own sense of confinement.
Each thoughtfully placed note contributes to the storytelling, further elevates the song’s arrangement and allows one to be drawn into the world Frog has created. These small nuances are a testament to Frog’s ability to find beauty in the ordinary by turning everyday moments into something profoundly moving and uniquely their own.
2025 Tour Dates: frog.band/shows
- 8 MARCH – Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US
- 22 MARCH – The Echo, Los Angeles, CA, US
- 23 MARCH – Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA, US
- 25 MARCH – The Black Lodge, Seattle, WA, US
- 26 MARCH – The Fox Cabaret Projection Room, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- 27 MARCH – Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR, US
- 28 MARCH – Treefort Music Fest, Boise, ID, US
- 3 APRIL – Bowery Ballroom, New York City, NY, US
- 11 APRIL – Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, US
EDITOR’S NOTE: artist stylises their name, album, and/or songs, in lowercase or uppercase letters
