Niagara’s own Ivy Gardens have just released their new album, Death of Don Valley. The follow-up to their breakout debut, Goon, this new album blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable and compelling listening experience. We caught up with Ivy Gardens to chat about the new release, what album they’re spinning most lately, and their all-time favourite Niagara band.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new album, Death of Don Valley.
Ivy Gardens: Our new album, Death of Don Valley, is dropping August 29th. A good mix of sludge, stoner metal, and prog rock. To date, some of our best compositions are as a band.
We spent about a year or so writing the album, and it is our most focused batch of songs we have ever done for a release. All the songs were written in a condensed timeframe, and the concept and sound for the album were determined ahead of the creation process.
The album centers around the theme of death and decay.
From The Strait: How would you describe the band’s sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Ivy Gardens: If Rush and Kyuss had intercourse, and as a result, a baby was born, they would name it Ivy Gardens.
From The Strait: What’s your favourite – and least favourite – thing about being a musician?
Ivy Gardens: Getting to perform is the most fulfilling part of being a musician. An opportunity to showcase your sound as intended and with immediate response is always an interesting situation.
My least favorite is probably sitting in the smelly van for a full tour. The guys smell bad.
From The Strait: What’s one album you can’t get enough of right now?
Ivy Gardens: Through A Wall by Single Mothers. I love that band, and it’s probably their heaviest music on that album. I go back to listening to it at some point every year since it was released.
From The Strait: What was the coolest (and/or weirdest) live show you’ve ever played?
Ivy Gardens: The coolest show we have played so far would have to be our release show last year for our album Goon. All our friends came out and we packed the place. It was just an all-around good time.
From The Strait: Since we’re a Niagara site and you’re a Niagara band – what is your all-time favourite Niagara artist or band?
Ivy Gardens: The artist that had the most impact on me that grew up in Niagara is Neil Peart of Rush. Nothing else comes close.
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Check out Death of Don Valley, the new album from Ivy Gardens!
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