Gardenback – Violent Streak (2026)
Over the past two and a half years, give or take, UK-based Gardenback have been sharing music with the masses but only on a live scale. Confident, engaging performances, brimming with contagious strings of folk, these live shows are ones to entertain while winning hearts. This year, Gardenback have chosen to release original singles. Come with us as we dip into their debut single, ‘Violent Streak’.
Produced by Finn Coomarasamy, Tom Baird and Nick Lewis, ‘Violent Streak’ taps into vintage folk with an intimate intensity, yet retains a wistfulness, placing you in an ethereal whirlpool of sound. Soft and gentle, Alexander Dhesi’s drums softly beat with an almost anchoring feeling, while Ellis Fox’s guitar weaves into the melody. It is as if the drums and guitar are dancing together, building a dreamy tune that wriggles into your ear and makes its way through your body. While the tune has a languid, chilled-out vibe, Momo Iona Ueda’s violin slides in with a bold, somewhat obscure crescendo. It keeps in the calm soundscape, but adds a push of heavier, more powerful music.
Just as the melody is gentle and soothing, so are Adam Hounsfield’s breathy whispers. His vocals are ethereal but warm with a tremble amidst vulnerable undertones. ‘Violent Streak’ might be the song’s title, but it is anything but violent – unless you’re scared of dreamy sensations. Moreover, the sincerity locked in the arrangement aligns with the sentimental theme and context. Hounsfield explains:
“I was mainly thinking of this one time I had the flu really badly and had that thing where your dreams and your waking hours start blurring together a bit because you’re in bed for days straight and sleeping so much. My partner came to visit me and look after me at one point, and it touched me so much.”
Tender and heart-warming, ‘Violent Streak’ is a charming introduction to Gardenback. My one concern is that they may have peaked with the debut. I look forward to more from this talented group.
In addition to the single, Gardenback released an official music video for ‘Violent Streak’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Gardenback on their Instagram, Soundcloud, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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