Santa Barbara’s Gardens & Villa have gradually turned up the electronic knobs over their indie-rock sound since 2001’s self-titled album. Fun elements like squelchy ‘80s synths, fluttering flutes and groove-laden rhythm sections add some sparkle to Dunes’ more refined approach to the band’s songwriting. This development in sound for this five-piece can be partly attributed to the influence of DFA producer Tim Goldsworthy, as well as a location shift from their sun-drenched party town to chilly, moody Michigan. The result is denser than their debut, but still accessible and inviting.
The slick infusion of current indie rock and synthetic ‘80s-influenced sounds give the uptempo tracks an immediacy which is matched by the effective slower tracks. Eventually it’s these quieter tracks that you come back to, with the hypnotic hook of Chrysanthemums and the piano-led melancholy of Minnesota making up the album highlights. Dunes is a tight, cohesive collection that offers variety and, most importantly, good tunes. Its main drawback is its lack of distinction from other similar sounding bands, which is likely to continue Garden & Villa’s status as the kind of band that can easily fall through the cracks.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Minnesota
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In A Word: Pleasant
