Plants That Grow At Night – Frogging The Cosmos (Act 2) [Review]

Plants That Grow At Night are back with “Frogging The Cosmos (Act 2)” where the raw, sweating energy of a live rhythm section is balanced by the warmth of sweet analogue synths.

The central vision is immediate on the opening track, “The Moped Show.” Imagine wandering through the backstreets of Istanbul with your headphones on, lost in a slick nu-funk beat, only for the sound of a saz like instrument from a nearby tavern to cut though your audio. That accidental, perfect mix is exactly what the band captures here, they blend elegant guitar-centric sounds with traditional east textures and rhythmic vocal chops, creating an atmospheric jazz-funk groove layered with Turkish folk essence and vintage synths.

The journey continues with “Sashimi,” where they team up with Russell Morgan for a soundscape where classic jazz-funk meets electronica. With the use of numerous key layers (expect wide organs, funky infused clavinets etc), and a steady, deep rhythm section, the track balances familiar verses with surprising, creative shifts in the chorus. A track with a massive focus on the “pocket” and the groove.

“Bananas In My Closet” opens with seriously warm analog keys and a refined rare groove vibe. With vocal deliveries from Grawlix The Kid and Nick Ryan, this time, the band introduces rap verses that work remarkably well with the track’s overall vibe. Despite the inclusion of broken-beat moments, the track never loses its focus, delivering a smooth production that feels both classic and fresh.

On the “Comfortable Chairs (2025 Mix),” the band makes use of the brass section, adding that harmonic color and texture to the track. Interesting spoken-word verses meet driving piano chords, skilled imrovs and laid-back vibes, resulting in a piece with a distinctly richness and aesthetic.

Finally, “Boarding Soon” closes the EP with a characteristic drum beat and a driving bassline. Featuring really expressive vocals by Greta Mirall, the track thrives on the surprising synth moments and the dialogue between them and the guitars. Much like the project as a whole, it serves as a final proof of the band’s production standards and the vibrant spirit poured into the making of this record.

Make sure to check our discussion with the band here!

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