In just 17 minutes the Gardens EP creates a journey that tackles increasingly melancholy topics and moves beyond a collection of songs. Sedgewick's well curated music aligns with inventive harmonies and evocative lyrics to create something bigger.
Whether it is the wistful vocals on The World In You, the quaint piano on Nostalgia, the anguished lead guitar on Beneath the Fireworks, or the driving rhythm on So Long, John each song has a perfect music counterpart to it's lyrical identity.
One of my favorite parts of this EP is how every now and then the band will step back as if to say "are you hearing this?" and it really works. Whether it's by building a track one instrument at a time or by stopping everything, the listener can appreciate just how ingenious the arrangements really are.
This is especially rewarding on their closing track So Long, John. A song that rarely repeats itself but rather moves through different ideas before the stunning refrain. It hits you right away and builds in intensity before everything stops with ethereal backing vocals to make the line "please be with us" especially vulnerable by comparison. This is a work that makes bold decisions and doesn't shy away. The musicians know when to play and more importantly (more challenging as well) when not to play. (Side note: Genius idea to included a video file of their live performance of this song when you download.)
All too soon you hear the words "So Long" and what sounds like an old record skipping to signify the end. This group may sing of nostalgia but I know I can't wait to see what they do next.
Whether it is the wistful vocals on The World In You, the quaint piano on Nostalgia, the anguished lead guitar on Beneath the Fireworks, or the driving rhythm on So Long, John each song has a perfect music counterpart to it's lyrical identity.
One of my favorite parts of this EP is how every now and then the band will step back as if to say "are you hearing this?" and it really works. Whether it's by building a track one instrument at a time or by stopping everything, the listener can appreciate just how ingenious the arrangements really are.
This is especially rewarding on their closing track So Long, John. A song that rarely repeats itself but rather moves through different ideas before the stunning refrain. It hits you right away and builds in intensity before everything stops with ethereal backing vocals to make the line "please be with us" especially vulnerable by comparison. This is a work that makes bold decisions and doesn't shy away. The musicians know when to play and more importantly (more challenging as well) when not to play. (Side note: Genius idea to included a video file of their live performance of this song when you download.)
All too soon you hear the words "So Long" and what sounds like an old record skipping to signify the end. This group may sing of nostalgia but I know I can't wait to see what they do next.
RSS Feed