The Gardenheads - Growing Season

The Gardenheads

Growing Season
Wee Rock Records; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

The Gardenheads are a Mid-Western force to be reckoned with. With four years of experience and some solid radio airplay featuring the singles "Greenhouse Soiree" and "Highway 65 Blues,” it’s not much of a surprise that these guys frequently earned the number one radio slot based on popular votes. Growing Season has already been met with many positive reviews and this one can be added to the list. The Gardenheads continue to tour the Midwest and being an artist myself in that circuit, I attach a great deal of respect and interest toward what they do.

Growing Season is a romp between punk, alternative and the lighthearted rock that only indie knows how to produce. There’s a mix of rock n’ roll bop one track and a powerful cowbell-driven groove the next. The Gardenheads keep things interesting and spread the love stylistically with consistent focus on catchy choruses. Basically, your standard formula for people pleasing tunes and I’m all for that. Maintain your roots and do what sells for your market – if it works, more power to you.

The tone from track to track varies ever so slightly and by the time we reach “Everytown” what was once mid tempo dirty blues has turned into something from an OK Go record. “Headin Out” is a fun groovy stomp that supports a great introduction both to the soulful growl of vocal and guitar. 

“Adderall” breaks things down for a nice mid album pace change. The intensity is translated into dynamic range and lyrical content, but of course, as this six-minute journey reaches its end some of the most produced and commanding guitar effects are put forth and the drums return to their hard hitting roots. I can’t help but picture The Beatles on “Greenhouse Soiree.” It swings so attractively and has a kind of careless vibe to it.

 I have no trouble seeing why listeners gave it such high ratings in reference to their radio success. I wish the best for these guys moving forward and highly recommend this album.

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