Review: Mark Gardener
Mark Gardener's "These Beautiful Ghosts": Aidin Vaziri | It's taken Mark Gardener nearly a decade to recover from the messy split with his former band Ride. While guitarist Andy Bell found permanent employment with Oasis, the singer seemingly floundered, shaving his trademark fringe and dallying with dated baggy rock in the Animalhouse. But with this solo debut it looks as if he's found his way. The majestic guitars of his old group give way to soft acoustic flourishes and gently rocking West Coast harmonies. His voice is still soft and vulnerable, only now more exposed with lyrics such as, "We were born to live this life/ But we were never built to survive." The song "Snow in Mexico" easily ranks among his best, while his new backing band, Oxford's Neil Young-influenced Goldrush, provides the music with just the right swagger and sway.
posted by Aidin at Monday, December 19, 2005
<< Home