Forgotten Garden released their debut EP, Broken Pieces, back at the beginning of this month, with Screamlite records.
This 4 track EP has been a while in the making, but the finished project is audibly satisfying, like completing a puzzle with NO broken pieces.
Written, performed and produced by Danny Elliott, each track treats us to beautiful vocals from Inês Diaz Rebelo.
From the get go, the first track Snowflakes, has a strong synth line, throwing back to the 80s, but when the hauntingly stunning vocals of Inês strike through, I’m immediately hit with vibes of Everything But The Girl, blurring the lines effortlessly from 80s through to indie pop of the 90s. To me this feels like a song about the struggle to get through a relationship that lost its passion, fruit that is rotten inside, leading to question where do we go from here. Next up is Cage of Hurt, which starts with a delicate instrumental opening, making way for a more prominent guitar line running alongside yet more tender vocals, which are joined by guest vocalist Daniel R. Diaz, as we are led into the choruses, and who stays narrating the lyrics melodically under Inês to add depth and drama as the song slows down. Title track Broken Pieces opens with just gentle guitar and the increasingly soothing vocals of Inês, a tale of knowing when to walk away and let go of an already sinking ship, holding onto the broken pieces of life. The tone of the vocalist rises and falls with the pain and suffering of the heart breaking lyrics. A voice full of emotional turmoil is perfectly suited to this seemingly simple, but deeply intricate track. My favourite of the EP, a song that has the ability to move me with its melody and lyrics is always a winner with me. Tender yet haunting as the meaning behind the lyrics really take hold with the final line, Shall I just let go..? Final song, Deep Soul Light has a slightly different sound to it, with a reverberating bassline and kinda of Arabic vibe, this track actually reminds me of a little known singer, Jem, who had a handful of hits in the early 2000s. A strong track to end on, a solid piece of work which clearly showcases the talents of this duo.
Musically, the EP would happily sit alongside the likes of The Cure, Joy Division and Echo and The Bunnymen, however, the female vocalist takes this interesting duo down a new path of their own, with the vocals taking the spotlight on each track. Rightly so, they are strong and effective, yet delicate enough to convey true feelings and emotions. This EP is seriously impressive stuff for such a new band, praise where it’s due, they’ve taken an older genre of synth and mixed it up with sounds through the ages to produce a literal work of art.
By: Kate Ford