A young rock band bubbling away in Launceston, Frogs In Suits are a four piece inspired by the alt rock and grunge of Smashing Pumpkins, The Strokes, Nirvana, Silverchair and Arctic Monkeys.
What began as a project to complete a music class at school has transformed into an indie outfit intent on seeing where their music takes them."We all studied music in Grade 11 at Launceston College in 2019. We were in the same class. Some of us had met years earlier (Harry and Jordan) on the cricket field. We all had similar music interests and clicked," the band says.
Last week, Frogs In Suits released their new EP, 'Waist Deep', a five-track offering recorded at Grove Studios with producer Jackson Barclay (Vera Blue, Birds Of Tokyo).
"We've tried to dissect the thin breaking line around our own mortality with 'Waist Deep'," lead singer, songwriter Harry Yates says.
"A letter before death in soundwaves. There were no epiphanies or revelations constructing the songs, just an understanding of how the brain works through different emotions."
Joining Harry are Hamish Lehner (lead guitarist, backup vocals), Jordan Grant (bass, backup vocals) and Justin Bailey (drummer, backup vocals).
We sound like... Harry: Kinda just us really. That's the point. You can obviously tell we've got different influences from a million other bands, but you can't say we sound like an exact band anymore. Jordan: We are trying to make our own new sound.
Who did people say you sounded like before? Harry: Smashing Pumpkins but that was never accurate. Anything from '90s bands. Not really Nirvana. Hamish: Just grunge.
Our first gig was... Bar Two in the summer heat of early 2021 up a little laneway in Launceston.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Harry: We had no name, but needed one for a gig at school and we were lazy then realised we couldn't change it.
Jordan: Bit more to it mate. That whole week we were trying to figure out what to do. Harry has used this example of the Arctic Monkeys having this piss-take name but with serious songs behind it. Don't know who came with frogs but our first gig was the Launceston College Ball and we had to wear suits so we made it Frogs In Suits.
Harry: I'm pretty sure I was sitting next to Eden in music, and I was just saying random animals and random clothing items and that one (Frogs In Suits) she laughed at and I told you boys and were like sic. Justin: We were too lazy to change and now it is what it is.
If we could tour with anyone... Hamish: Foo Fighters. Harry: Arctic Monkeys because they don't do a lot on stage, they have a real presence. A real vibe and atmosphere that I think we try to represent. When I saw them in 2018 there was a real energy that we want to get into. Justin: British India. I saw them in Launceston, and they were so friendly, happy to chat. Jordan: Red Chili Peppers. I'd challenge Flea to the longest hand-stand.
My favourite app at the moment is... Harry: Insta and Pokemon Go. Justin: Insta. Hamish: Clash Of Clans.
Life on the road can be... Been alright because we haven't been in the same car, it can be fun. Sleeping with Jordan in Derby was horrible.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in, was... Everyone: Sharing a room with Jordan.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Hamish: Somewhere on the mainland, I still love Australia. Harry: New York because the rock revival was established there in 2001. Justin: Hawaii, sit on the beach. Jordan: My geography is not that great.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Justin: Craig Reynolds of Stray From The Path; best drummer in the game. Dave Grohl.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? We all love pets, especially dogs.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Hamish: Beers. Justin: Guava Cruisers. Harry and Jordan: Brookvale Union beer.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? The dishes!
Do you have any phobias... Huntsman spiders in this shed where we practice. It's a 6m by 6m Colorbond shed on our property in rural Tasmania, the village of Evandale. Harry: Great Whites.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Jordan: Jackass.
Last show you binge-watched? Harry: 'Breaking Bad'. Justin: 'SWAT'. Jordan: 'Teen Wolf'. Hamish: 'Clone Wars'.
Frogs In Suits launch the 'Waist Deep' EP at The Irish Pub (Launceston) 10 December. The band also play The Royal Oak Hotel (Launceston) 14 January.
