Debut EP from Plants That Grow At Night

Five years ago, a chance meeting of five musicians from five different corners of the world in Vienna sparked a creative endeavour that’s been growing into one of the city’s most intriguing collectives. Started with late-night jams and experiments with odd noises, the project soon blossomed into something more, a distinct musical language born out of stylistic collisions and unexpected harmonies. That project became Plants That Grow At Night, a group that brings a sense of unpredictability while building grooves that feel both spontaneous and intricately crafted.

The band is made up of Florian “flohzirkus” Hager on percussion, Filippo Gaetani on bass and synths, Edvard Pink on piano and Moog, Raouf Farajzadeh on keys and Roberto Randazzo on guitar. Together, they take cues from a vast spectrum of influences, ranging from funk and neo soul to acid jazz and indie hip hop. Their sound nods to artists such as Anderson .Paak, Snarky Puppy, Frank Zappa and Jaga Jazzist, resulting in a lively, groove-driven blend that wears its influences proudly while forging something thoroughly original.

Most of their material is born from extended jam sessions, with the improvisations later reshaped with overdubs from the band members or guest contributors. It’s a process that captures their collective chemistry while allowing room for growth, experimentation and serendipity. The group first introduced themselves in 2021 with a remix of “I Am Alive,” which they followed up with a trio of singles over the next couple of years.

Now they’ve fully crystallised their shared sonic vision with the release of their debut five-track EP titled Frogging the Cosmos (Act 1). Recorded at Tic Vintage Room in Vienna by bassist and producer Filippo Gaetani, the EP compiles recordings made between 2022 and 2024, charting the band’s journey across two years of exploration. It’s a record that feels alive with energy, interplay and the spirit of improvisation, stitching together hip hop rhythms, modern jazz harmonies, psychedelic textures and flashes of progressive rock vibes, serving up a sound that constantly shifts while maintaining a magnetic throughline of groove.

Opened by title track “Frogging The Cosmos,” the EP starts off with the elegant flutter of piano notes as a dreamy arrangement gently builds up with airy guitar notes and sliding bass lines. Launching with gritty rock energy, the strike of drums ushers in a lively soundscape of crunching instrumental and rolling rhythms as the track drifts through an absorbing scene packed full of twists and turns.

“5e5” flows with pulsing bass notes as the shuffle of rustling drums and flicker of bouncy piano is met with bright trumpet leads performed by Arthur Hall, forming a spacey jazz voyage cut with slick guitar flourishes and hazy e-bow textures. Brimming with smooth groove and colourful instrumental layers, it’s a dazzling jam that captures the band’s creative flair and stunning musicianship in spectacular fashion.

With “My Cousin Cisco,” the band is joined by singers Greta Mirall and Russell Morgan, whose expressive vocal leads spin catchy melodies carried via soulful delivery into the pop-tinged funk outing. Offering a superb track wrapped in a vintage aesthetic, the incredible duet floats above Plants That Grow At Night’s stellar instrumental backing on this charming musical moment.

“My Goblin Friend” follows with the swell of synth tones before coming into sharp focus with the rattle of drums and thump of bass, setting off on a moody instrumental jam that flows with punching groove and delicate flute leads. Closing the EP with “Drive To Oregon,” the EP closes with a breezy sound of crisp percussion, dashes of synth and piano, bluesy wah-drenched lead guitar work and warm brass elements, resulting in an epic finale to the band’s sensational debut EP. With Act 2 on the way later this year, we can’t wait to see what this exceptionally talented outfit has in store next.

Listen to Frogging The Cosmos (Act 1) below