Frankie Cosmos “Different Talking” thoughts

It would not be hyperbole to consider Greta Kline one of this generation’s great artists. It’s not just the incredible output, especially in those early years as Ingrid Superstar. But her growth from stream of consciousness, brief bedroom recordings more akin to radio jingles into a wiser, dynamic songwriter on recent Frankie Cosmos records has been a joy to witness in my decade plus of covering her music.

Different Talking, Kline’s latest work under the Frankie Cosmos moniker, is another evolution in her story. Kline’s trademark polaroid-esque songwriting is on full display, this time with even more meat on its bones. That’s supplied by her backing band, featuring long-time Frankie Cosmos live band member Alex Bailey, drummer Hugo Stanley (Palm), and another incredible songwriter and guitarist Katie Von Schleicher – who also worked on Cosmos’ Inner World Peace. In a Substack post, Kline reflected on the record-making process for Different Talking, how it was the first time she truly went into the studio with only her band, and truly collaborate with them. A project that was mostly under the firm control and vision of Greta Kline is now truly a four-piece unit.

The result is somehow, still very Frankie Cosmos, with 17 tracks at just under 40 minutes. And that’s gotta be the story of Different Talking. So much has changed in over a decade, and even with a different approach, Kline hasn’t lost sight of who she is. The single, and leadoff track “Pressed Flower” is a perfect first dive into the record – it’s lush and has so much to love. There’s the laid back “Against The Grain” with the band’s rhythm section taking focus, and expanding the sound of Frankie Cosmos.

It also features a Frankie Cosmos band operating at full-throttle, from the drumming of “Bitch Heart”, the breakneck pace of “One! Grey! Hair!” and the unrelenting and brutally honest “Your Take On”. There’s wonderful guitarwork throughout, like the striking “You Become” and “Not Long”. I also just love how Kline ends “Porcelain”:

“It’s never the same
I’m from a country known
For big drinks and small words
It’s the safest place in the world
… Just kidding“

The whole record is a great ride, especially for people who are already fans of Frankie Cosmos. It’s not a reinvention of their sound, but an evolution that comes with over a decade of songwriting, and newfound trust in others to breathe new life into her songs. And that last bit has actually always been part of the equation. Speaking of appreciation to friends on “Embody” from Next Thing, or family members, pets, while Frankie Cosmos has been mostly introspective, there have always been others making an impression on the music. Heck, Kline even has a page on her site asking people to write an album using her instructions, describing it as “an exercise in giving up control”. “Different Talking” just makes that more official, and hopefully all four continue to make music and grow together.

Different Talking is out now on SubPop – grab it here.
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