When you first glance at the title of The Garden’s latest album, it is easy to be thrown off. However, if you are familiar with the duo, consisting of twins Wyatt and Fletcher Shears, you would realize it is right on brand. Horseshit on Route 66 is the duo’s fifth studio album. It marks their first independent release since 2013. Staying true to their Vada Vada mantra they placed earlier in their career, this album is an expression of their freedom and ever-evolving creativity. Just under 25 minutes runtime, the album takes you back to The Garden’s campy and punk beginnings.
The opening track “Haunted House on Zillow” sets the tone for the first half of the album. This horror-themed punk track consists of ghoulish laughs over grinding riffs. The songs that follow, “OC93” and “Puerta de Limosina” further expanded on the hardcore punk sound, the latter being a standout due its jester central theme.
The title track “Horseshit on Route 66″ is a melodic transition into the second half of the album. The following song “What Else Could I Be But a Jester”, is a synth-based, electronic addition that almost sounds like it pays homage to Haha, the band’s previous album from 2015. As the album closes out with “At the Campfire“, a song that circles back to the opening track with its ghoulish laughing track, we end this wild ride on a high note.
Horseshit on Route 66 is an album that shows the progression The Garden has made throughout their career. With many songs showcasing their evolving sound while also staying true to their punk beginnings. Next month, The Garden will embark on a mostly sold-out U.S. tour. Give the album a listen below!
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