Gardens & Villa
Dunes
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Pop rock
It’s been three years since the promising debut album of the pop rock band Gardens & Villa. With its latest Dunes, the group has crafted a similarly pleasing and bouncy record that remains consistently catchy and enjoyable.
The opener “Domino” finds the band hitting its stride early with a hypnotic, light beat, eclectic instrumentation and memorable lyrics. This rousing beginning continues with the next track, “Colony Glen” an ‘80s-inspired number that is playfully dark and dance floor-ready.
Gardens & Villa excels at breezy and energetic tracks, but at times, like on “Purple Mesas,” the band proves it can succeed with more solemn, slow-paced songs. “Purple Mesas” has lead singer Christopher Lynch singing in sensuous falsetto and the electronics are soothingly reminiscent of R&B and soul.
Unfortunately, the last couple of tracks on the album cannot keep up the pace and variation of the rest, making for a muted finish. “Avalanche” and “Thunder Glove” are not particularly interesting, mostly overwhelmed by blaring synths and dull electric guitars.
Gardens & Villa might not be reinventing the synth pop genre, but Dunes is a quick, fun listen that suggests a fruitful career for the band.
— Mac Gushanas
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