ANOTHER COUNTRY

At the start of 2025, the release of new releases, which I find lacking in appeal, hardly inspires me to write letters. This is similar to the cohort of albums released last year, where, inevitably, a plethora of artists fall by the wayside. This is the case with "Another Country," the latest release from "The Gardening Club." Despite a label and a rich discography, "MARTIN SPRINGETT" and his project remain under-publicized, particularly in the French-language press. Why has this album, which subtly blends pastoral prog, folk, and cinematic ambiance, not received the kind of attention it deserves? Is it forgetfulness, a lack of curiosity? One thing is certain: "Another Country" deserves our attention.

For ages, "MARTIN SPRINGETT" has sculpted melodies in the silence of the media, bursting with a talent threatened by oblivion. Far from the spotlight, he plows his own furrow, a distinguished illustrator whose art flows through his veins. Born in the United Kingdom, the multidisciplinary artist emigrated to the west coast of Canada. Drawn, perhaps, by the gentle murmur of the king of rivers? Be that as it may, the poet of harmonic orchards founded the project: "The Gardening Club" in 1983. The self-titled debut album was released the same year. A few years of silence before the combo rose from its ashes in 2016 with a reissue, enriched with previously unreleased tracks and a graphic novel illustrated by "Springett" himself. Then, in search of new territory, he launched "A Gardening Club Project," a parallel initiative that broadened his palette while remaining faithful to his quintessence. From this essence, several albums were born, including "The Blue Door" in 2021 and "Mr. October And The Moon Of Madness" in 2022.

It took two years for the "Another Country" project to come to fruition. Originally, the title was supposed to be "The Enigma Of Arrival." Martin Springett has revealed that the title should have been "L'Énigme de l'arrivée," the painting by De Chirico, because, according to him, it allowed him to project himself into the disparate places he desired musically and thematically. "Another Country" is a project that reflects the artistic evolution of Martin Springett and his collaborators. Released on October 11, 2024, this 57-minute opus consists of nine tracks that explore varied themes, skillfully blending progressive rock, jazz, and neoclassical elements.

After an introduction to the artist, let's dive into the heart of "Another Country," the latest opus from "The Gardening Club," led by the talented Martin Springett. This album marks a new stage in the band's musical evolution.

From the opening notes of "A Zephyr of Sound," a delicate sonic breeze envelops us, setting the stage for "Small Town Boy," an introspective ballad that tells the odyssey of a young man leaving home in search of new horizons. The lyrics, written by Steve Bennett, resonate with touching sincerity, evoking the hopes and disappointments of adventure.

"Tricksters" draws us into a musical whirlwind where Wayne Kozak's soprano saxophone harmoniously interacts with the guitars of Springett and Laliberte. This composition explores the changing facets of the human personality, symbolized by the "trickster," that mischievous and polymorphous being.

The nostalgic atmosphere of "Hotel Nostalgia / Enigma 1" invites the listener into deep introspection, each room of this imaginary hotel containing memories and forgotten melodies. The soprano voice of "DANIE FRIEDEN" adds an ethereal dimension to the whole, reinforcing the feeling of an introspective journey.

The eponymous track, "Another Country," spans over sixteen minutes, offering a sonic odyssey rich in variation and emotion. The careful arrangements and impeccable production of "KEVIN LALIBERTE" and "NORM MACPHERSON" demonstrate a mature artistry, skillfully blending progressive influences with contemporary touches.

In short, "Another Country" is a masterful work that confirms "The Gardening Club"'s place in the modern progressive rock landscape. Each track is an invitation to escape, a sensory journey where music and poetry intertwine to create an unforgettable auditory experience.

{translated from French to English by admin as reviews should be submitted in English}

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