Albums by this artist

(picnic, lightning) (2001)

Garlands

(picnic, lightning)

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» BEN FRENCH | CO-DIRECTOR

Garlands (picnic, lightning) The Orchard, 2001 RiYL: The Verve, Ocean Blue, The Smiths

If nothing else, the dainty (picnic, lightning) provides an easy way to meet the Garlands, a four-man group of mushy Britpop lovers from New York City. The EP includes six songs, each worthy of a couple listens, and raises at least half an eybrow with the thought of the group's obvious potential.

Anyone with half a lick of knowledge about music would jump to the Smiths comparison after about 15 seconds of listening to the guys. Of course, that's good or bad, depending on your tastes. The lead singer has the drama of Morrissey for sure, and the pitter-patter of the rhythm section transports you to the streets of Manchester, England.

The guitar's single-string approach to melody stands out and the cornucopia of effects really doesn't hurt the ears either. Further listens may even warrant (respectable) comparisons to the Verve or the Ocean Blue, if that's your bag.

Still, I hope the fellas in Garlands realize there is more on heaven and earth than the feigned emotion of the Moz and his overly British brethren. Garlands have proven themselves as professional cover artists with the potential for something much more meaningful. Push the envelope, boys!

BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.