Surprise Chef - Frogs in a Pond. LP [Jade Vinyl]
Surprise Chef - Frogs in a Pond. LP [Jade Vinyl]
Since their introduction Melbourne band Surprise Chef have felt stayed true to their mission statement of incproprating Madlib and Dilla-esque beat wizardry with sultry and seductive modern jazz and soul.
New album “Frogs In A Pond” is their most mysterious and seductive record yet, feeling like it was ripped right out of a grimey, noir murder mystery soundtrack. The album feels steeped in this smokey wash of shady late night dealings that wouldnt be out of place in a bond film. The whole record was recorded in just 9 days and done in such a way that makes you feel like you’re slumped at the bar watching it all unfold in front of you.
“Frogs In A Pond” is a textural masterclass from start to finish, with every echo of bells, wash of flutes and snap of a woodblock helping to make something greater than the sum of its parts. While it’s often nostalgic it still manages to feel totally modern with the band walking that delicate line perfectly.
If you’re looking for the best 2026 “Who did it?” soundtrack then you’ve come to the right place. With a beautiful emphasis on cinematic structure and a healthy dose of style, it’s a total triumph from a band that continue to evolve their sonic edges and are never content on staying in the same place.
For fans of Badbadnotgood, Mildlife & J Dilla
Tracklist
Inside Voice
Outside Voice
Frog Technique
Knuckle Sandwich
I Love What You've Done With The Place
Get Well Soon
Rupture and Repair
The Reno
Tadpoles
Leg Day
Where The Crows Fly Backwards
Omnipresence
Frogs In A Pond
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