I will always commend artists that express themselves in the most authentic way possible, regardless of what others think. The experimental punk rock duo, Wyatt and Fletcher Shears have done exactly that for years, but most recently with their latest album release “Kiss My Super Bowl Ring”.
The Garden worked with Khalif Jones (formerly “Le1f” when I saw them tour together) and Ariel Pink on two separate tracks, a first for the band to have features on a studio album release. Fortunately, the features work well only if you don’t mind the mix of musically diverse artists.
A quick disclaimer, this kind of music is usually the kind to scare the common folk away. I urge anyone to give it a chance, there’s a lot of twist and turns within some tracks that are actually pleasing. Tread with caution however.
“Clench To Stay Awake” was the first track to be released as a single that set the tone and concept art of eerie green imagery. On The Garden’s Instagram page, the promotion for the album has some odd skits. Perhaps the goblin is the one knocking at the door, ensuring you stay awake to avoid them in your sleep.
Throughout the album, the duo definitely have outrage to release in some way or form. In “A Struggle” the sublime meets both nostalgic drum kicks and the new anger that The Garden has found themselves encompassed in. Reflecting in a mirror, we may face tribulations but to call it struggling… Well it may be, if you wanna call it that.
If I come off as a problem, kiss my super bowl ring
If you got a big ego, kiss my super bowl ring
The Garden, Kiss My Super Bowl Ring. Epitaph Records, 2020.
As mentioned before in an interview with Spin, the title of the interview really says it all; The Garden doesn’t care if you like their album, you can simply kiss their super bowl ring (another way of saying kiss my ass). In the album named song, it seems being fed up with everything lead the twins to say “forget it, it doesn’t matter”. Are you yourself tired of the messed up world? Tired of people in power? Tired of carbon footprints? No worries, just turn this track on full.
It isn’t always a bleak album with hopeless themes, as there are some funky surfer kicks and snares to muddle out the dread. “AMPM Truck” animates a deadly vehicle experience with a cool sound that reminds you of riding sick waves, if you could. But always beware on the road!
My personal favorite track is number five, “A Fool’s Expedition”. Every time I listen to it, I always imagine myself riding into a battle on a stallion with an army fighting for the greater good. This is one of the more heavy songs that induced deep thought about what truly matters. In the mirror, you can only point at yourself for what you’ve done and who you are. Perhaps the song is telling us to ask ourselves what matters the most for our own sake.
This album has its pros and cons, but this is not a review. I don’t believe in slapping a number out of ten and calling it a day. In fact, that’s the most frustrating practice in music today. I’m a fan of The Garden, I have that bias already. But take this as what I think of when listening to the album. If my mother were to listen to it, I’m sure she would give it a zero for such language and overbearing synths. But hey, if you disagree with me just go ahead and kiss my super bowl ring! (Haha)
As one of my favorite bands cancels their tour due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m still thankful to be able to stream and wear the album in the midst of missing their concert. Stay safe, healthy and stream the album below!
Coffee Shop Talk 