Amsterdam duo Feng Suave are not new to the indie-pop scene. The band's critically-acclaimed 2020 EP Warping Youth, gained notoriety for its brilliant take on adolescence and the youth experience. On their new EP So Much for Gardening, Feng Suave push the envelope even further, weaving together 70s-era soul with indie pop to produce a unique intra-genre soundscape.
But don't let the lighthearted style of music fool you. Feng Suave are masters in the art of juxtaposition. Taking a deeper dive into the lyrics reveals that band members Daniël Schoemaker and Daniël de Jong have a lot to say on this record. Whether it's addressing the gluttony in capitalism or man's impending doom on Earth, their sarcastic, witty style of lyricism shines bright throughout.
"Unweaving the Rainbow Forever" serves as a soft, blissful EP opener. The calm background vocals lead beautifully into a euphoric chorus filled with elaborate strings. Feng Suave's instrumentation and melodies give the impression of a children's song—warm and full of life. However, the lyrics indicate much the opposite, touching on themes of climate change and war: just a few of the ways how humanity is hurting the planet. Perhaps the carefree approach helps to veil the truth of the somber meaning in the lyrics.
The folk-inspired "Come Gather 'Round" is similar in style, with acoustic chords and playful bass lines. It takes on a sing-along style with some classic pop elements inspired by artists like The Beatles and Father John Misty. A deeper look at the lyrics reveal the silliness and sarcasm in the songwriting. "Me and my shares are on a bubble up / And we're never coming down / An unbelievably booming economy, now!" Here, the band pokes fun at the inherent stupidity found within capitalism and finding enjoyment in things like the status of the "Dow Jones." The imagery seen within the music video wonderfully complement these themes.
"Show Me" is the band's latest release for the EP. The slowest track on the project, it's composed of likely their most intricate and alluring production to date. With a series of crescendos and gentle melodies, the track takes us on an emotional journey of introspection. Speaking about the song's conception and purpose, the band said: "'Show Me' is a song that explores themes of being in the moment with a loved one and the lack of the ability to do so…We recorded this song live with our dear friends and band members, and we feel this adds to intimacy. The absence of a click track makes sure the tempo gently swings back and forth, just like the old recordings we listen to and love dearly."
The final track, "Tomb for Rockets" is the perfect closer to the EP. Ending on a sweet note, this song is a breezy love song, most reminiscent of the band's older work. The final minute features a dazzling concoction of bass lines, guitar, and electronic sounds. Check out this article for more details on the song's inspiration and motivation.
So Much for Gardening is a splendid soundtrack for the close of summer, giving us indie soul jams with stellar production and light, airy vocals. Stream the EP on all services here and pre-order on 12" vinyl here!
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