Conjuring a sound steeped in post-punk nostalgia and biting commentary on insatiable greed, Scottish-Portuguese band Forgotten Garden captivate on their latest track “Overlord.” Inês Rebelo’s enthralling vocals and Danny Elliott’s multi-instrumental talents front the standout project, which formed in 2019. This track also features the fantastic bass playing Argentina-based artist Mel D.
A solemn bass line commences the track with chilly intrigue, bolstered by mellow keys that unfold into buzzing synth effervescence. A dreamily enchanting vocal presence arrives as well, letting out: “You’ve got your gold back home, now you come on like an overlord.” Plucky instrumentation bolsters the mix further as an ardent expanse takes hold, with bouncy percussion and vibrant vocal layers assuming the title-based refrain with replay-inducing allure. The ascent of vibrant piano, moving with sporadic briskness, also adds to the artfully woven infectiousness.
The track’s overarching theme — concerning the corrupting influences of money and power — comes into clearer view as the repetition of “money” persists lyrically. “You’ve made so much money that you think that you’re above the law,” the vocals emanate, melding poignant and powerful societal commentary with the lusher dream-pop stylings of their atmospheric sound. The result is a thorough success from Forgotten Garden, excelling in its lyrical insight and post-punk/alt-pop synergy.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
