Mostly Frogs, founded by bass builder, synthesizer and vocalist Jake Serek, makes a striking debut with Cookin’ Cousins, released on October 11, 2024. This genre-bending album gets high on alt-rock, psych, krautrock, prog, and jam-band influences to recreate the joys the band experienced on the road. With contributions from Jay Pullano (guitar, vocals), Rich Lombardo (drums, vocals), and Corey DiGiovanni (sampler, SFX, live visual synthesis), Cookin’ Cousins is a dynamic, kaleidoscopic album packed with quirky charm and musical innovation.
The album’s opener, “Foma Guys,” is an energetic, psychedelic whirlwind. It begins with shrill, cascading rhythms before the shimmering guitars and bustling drums kick in. The interplay of reverbed vocals and soulful, psych chorus gives the track a hypnotic, upbeat groove that pulls you in and holds you captive.
“Kink Freud” opens with lush riffs, reminding you of sparkling ocean waves and a beachy atmosphere, while the drums bustle. After the guitars swirl, churn, and ride together with the drums, the rhythm section takes over catchily.
On “Hunchwalker,” Mostly Frogs explores a darker, more sludgy sound, featuring distorted, fuzzed-out instrumentals and stoner rock vibes. The heavy bass and vibrant riffs create a tense, rippling groove that braves through the song, offering a gnarly feel.
The album’s title track, Cookin’ Cousins (Track 10), closes the album with a haunting, psychedelic soundscape. Lush plucking, high floating trails, and reverbed vocals weave and echo with a psych daze to form a contemplative, altered-state atmosphere. Culminating in a guitar solo, the track gives you Smashing Pumpkins vibes within the psych jams.
For fans of jam bands, psych-rock, and alternative rock, Cookin’ Cousins has all to offer. Check it out on all streaming platforms.
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Review by: Naomi Joan