the Gardeners - Where Do We Go From Here?

the Gardeners

Where Do We Go From Here?
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The Gardeners are a duo from Los Angeles who recently released an EP entitled Where Do We Go From Here? The band is similar to The Postal Service in that they have a proclivity for electronic music that mixes up disparate sounds that form the foundation of pop songs. Other than that, this is where the similarities end.

The band is a bit schizophrenic jumping from acoustic guitar based pop songs to atmospheric synth based music. Some of it works, some of it feels like a work in progress but either way they are in a good spot creatively to really come into their own within the next release.

The album starts with one of the strongest songs entitled "Free Fools Love," which has an interesting vibe that is hard to pinpoint. They combine fuzzy synths, what sounds like a vibraphone and electronic drums into a concoction of sound for the vocals to go over. This song also contains some of the best vocal melodies. The high point comes when the vocalist repeats the song title "Free Fools Love."

"May I Offer you a Drink?" combines digital orchestral elements with a percussive heavy palette of sounds. The song offered some exceptional transitions such as the one they pull off about three-and-a-half minutes in.

Unfortunately, not every song is as strong as the first two. The guitar based "And She Catches Me Flying" comes up short while "Universe Nothing" sounds vacant of the programming that made the first two songs good. It became clear to me that band is at their best when they tinker with electronic based sounds.

The band gets back on track with "Interrupt," which is oddly dissonant and disconnected but works. The closing track "Into the Wasteland" has its moments but isn't flawless.

It seems to me the band is on to something but still has some work ahead of them. Overall Where Do We Go From Here? is strong and enjoyable but has some kinks in the armor. Looking forward to more from the Gardeners.

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