Frog in the Reeds is the performing name of Western Pennsylvania, USA-based indie pop and funk artist Mary Brewer. She’s just hit my radar thanks to the release of her second album, which comes a decade after her first. A jubilant collection that takes its cues from the 1970s, it’s called Life and Death.

By Graeme Smith

So much music focusses on the darkness and negativity of life, so it’s a rare joy to find something that aims to elevate you. That’s exactly what you get from Life and Death. It’s eleven light-hearted instrumental tracks that will bring a smile to your face, and maybe help you through a tough time.

The album opens with Crush Its Head. It’s a quirky start, combining electronic riffs with organic rock elements. We immediately get into a groove, and my head was certainly nodding along. Crush Its Head is a track that encourages you to move and is the perfect welcome to the world of Frog in the Reeds.

Open the Door keeps things groovy with some striking percussion, rumbling bass and noodling guitar. Fear No Evil gets lowdown and funky with a swaggering tempo before Get up and Walk livens things up again with some delicious licks and punchy percussion. It’s a highlight.

Don’t Look Back brings with it a touch of the blues. Multiply bounces along pleasantly with a warm, throwback feel. Take and Eat takes us into a psychedelic land with a mix of traditional instruments and a modern arrangement. It’s another highlight.

Look at the Birds is a beautifully laidback and nature-filled number that fans of the Shadows and early Fleetwood Mac will appreciate. Shake off the Dust is suitably rousing, with interjections of fuzzy bass and soaring electric organ. See introduces some gentle indie rock before Yes Be Yes closes the album with a bright farewell, tying together the range of styles that we’ve heard before into an affirmative final chapter.

Life and Death was produced by Daniel Smith. You can give it a listen below.